For the past 4 months, I have been giving you my “teacher expert ” opinion on topics ranging from back-to-school routines to reading reports cards as part of the Advil School Days series. While reading these posts, I’m sure that more than once, you’ve asked yourself this question: “what exactly makes her an expert?”
I would like to clarify this by stating that while I am a very good teacher (and humble, of course), by no means am I the world’s best teacher. What I am is an expert in BEING a teacher. How do I know? Let’s look at the evidence:
I love to talk; I have a loud voice (without yelling) that can quite a room in seconds.
I have perfected “the look”. You know what I’m talking about. (I’m looking at you right now…have you slunk down in your chair yet?)
I own pumpkin-coloured cords. And not the cool cigarette-style that’s in fashion; the ones with pleats at the waist and that narrow at the ankle.
I can hold it in for 6 hours, if need be.
I can tolerate (and have actually developed a taste for) lukewarm coffee.
I have accepted that 95% of the children I teach (regardless of age) are more intelligent than I am.
I can tell when a kid is lying.
I can tell when a kid is really sick.
I can tell when a kid is going to vomit.
I believe it when a kid tells me she is going to change the world and can’t wait to watch her do it.
I sometimes just stop and look around the room and feel like Michelle Duggar…I really do think of each of my students as my (temporary) children. I brag about them and worry about them and advocate for them all the time…sometimes too much.
I watch movies through the eyes of a 12-year-old. Grease is WAY more inappropriate than I remembered.
I know the “cool” word for “cool”.
I listen (and cry privately) as kids tell me about how they are dealing with abuse, divorce, poverty, dads in jail, eating disorders, bullying, suicide, depression, learning disabilities, and so much more.
I am amazed when they are able to put all aside and write their math test. I couldn’t do that, could you?
During the summer when I have nothing to do, people always remark that “it must be nice to be a teacher”.
My response? “You’re right, it is! You should become a teacher, too!”
Think you could handle it?
When I was younger I use to hear people say “if you don’t know what to be when you grow up just be a teacher, its an easy job”. Boy were they wrong. It is not only hard, but yes Cayla, it is rewarding. Maybe I should come and watch you one day.
I know I could never be a teacher! I’ve helped out in the classroom a few times and I’m completely exhausted at the end of the day. I don’t know how you do it!
Wonderful, you. I couldn’t do it – I don’t have the right disposition for the amount of hours required… brava to you, woman!
LOVE this post, Cayla! And yes, this makes you an expert at being a teacher. I went to teacher’s college and never actually worked as a teacher. I knew I was good at a lot of things and this was not one of them. I found it so emotionally draining and heartbreaking. It did make me appreciate my own childhood so much more though. Our children deserve excellent teachers like you.
Thanks for acting as our resident expert on all things teacher!