Whether you are trying to teach your own kids, in the public schools, church or community education classes, it's a challenge. First, you need to know your subject matter really well, then have an interest in each student even the rude or disruptive ones. I've had those during my teaching years both at home, school (above photo of me teaching 1st grade many years ago) and in church groups. Seems I always got to teach cub scouts or boys at church even though I was a single mother with 4 boys at home. Today I love to teach only adults who for the most part will listen and cooperate, although that's not always true. Some turn off and out, don't listen and won't try to learn. When your instruction works and you see others learning that when it's really enjoyable. It also helps to teach a subject that you enjoy like computers, writing or genealogy for me.
My hubby's always wondering why I volunteer to teach or set up classes all the time. It's because I LOVE TO TEACH. Been teaching for almost 50 years now, although elementary school was my least favorite age to teach. Too many discipline problems before you can start to instruct. I loved being a school librarian because I had different classes and most kids enjoy books and the library. What's been your experience with teaching?
I loved being a teacher, although I found it to be very hard work. To this day there are those who think teachers have it easy because they get the summers "off." Ha! I easily put in 60 hours/week during the school year, then took summer courses and prepared most of the summer for the coming school year. I still have dreams that I'm a teacher, just about every night. I guess I'll never completely leave my career behind me.
ReplyDeleteI thoroughly enjoyed working with the students. I found that the different grade levels each had pros and cons, but I loved 6th grade the most.
ReplyDeleteI just signed up to be a substitute, so I could get a little fix now and then. Like Jean, maybe I'll feel like a teacher forever.
I've always bristled at the quote "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach."
ReplyDeleteFrequently those who can "do" can't teach. Teaching is so much more than knowing your subject. That's just the starting point!
I has an unusual career. I taught 4th grade for six years. Then I quit to raise a family. When my kids were young, I assisted at co-op preschool, taught Sunday School, and was a Campfire Girls leader for about ten years. After being out of public school for about ten years, I went back as an aide, working my way through different jobs until I was full time in the Learning Assistance Program, teaching ten groups a day of struggling learners.
The last eight years of my career I went back to certified teaching as a reading specialist and finally as the Literacy Coach, teaching teachers.
Over my career I've spent a lot of time with kids who had difficulty learning to read. It was very hard work, but work I devoted myself too, and when there were rewards, when students were successful, it was wonderful! And it was exhausting!
I come from a long line of teacher. I think it's in the genes..@:}
ReplyDeleteThat's a classic class photo. I love it, Lin. I love your thoughts on teaching, too. I think it is in the blood. It happens because it will.
ReplyDeleteLately I have been teaching The Outsiders to my sixth grade kids and they are so excited they are tracking down clips on YouTube and getting their parents to rent it (though the vocabulary is a way bit more adult in the flick), and just dying to hear the audio version while they read. It's a happy time.
I truly admire anyone who is or has been a teacher. I volunteered in my children's classrooms and on field trips and got a closer look at what a teacher goes through daily. I taught Sunday School for many years. I taught 4 thru 6th grades when Benjamin was in those grades and Pre-school class for a couple of years when Ashton was that age. Very fulfilling.
ReplyDeleteI taught first grade for 18 years and loved it. I love working with the little ones. First grade is such a time of blooming for the beautiful young minds. It sure was a LOT of work though. It's terrific that you're still continuing to teach, Lin. My hat's off to you.
ReplyDeleteI taught 14 2nd graders my first year, then 3rd grade for the next 12. The past two years I've taught art to 3rd-6th. I really love teaching, but hate the pressure put on us by the state and feds. So much paperwork and documentation to keep up with, not counting the paper grading. It's burning teachers out. Good for you for volunteering and keeping your toes in the water.
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