Do Teachers Enjoy Teaching?
I visited a classroom today and observed very informally a teacher talk about respecting difference. As I sat watching my child and her class interact with the teacher I noticed many smiles on the children but I didn’t notice the teacher smiling, not even once. The lesson also showcased what I would guess is the the teacher’s hobby as he spoke about it with much knowledge, still there was no smile.
I was so tempted to talk with the teacher and ask what he/she needed in order to make them smile. Did the teacher have a rough morning at home? Did they enter the school empty, with no stores of joy? While I understand how draining teaching can be, it is still ever child’s right to have a teacher greet them with a smile. I know about the demands of give, give, give and often receiving very little in return but if you have ever watched a child smile, it is difficult to resist returning the smile.
I think, especially at this time of year, it is important to reflect on why you choose the teaching field and ponder whether your career fills you with joy or dread. If you feel dread, what can you do about it? If it fills you with joy, can you share it?
Posted on December 10th, 2007 by karen
Filed under: Uncategorized