So You’re a Teacher?

Many children and many adults are starting school today, September 1st, it’s a new beginning a fresh opportunity…it’s a perfect time to reflect on my teaching life.

One of the ways I convinced myself it was OK to take a break from my teaching career was because I’m a special ed teacher.  In my career, over a month’s time, there is a lot of transition and change.  I could take a break and miss just one school year.  Right?

I love my job.  I love my kids.  I love being an advocate for the parents of my students.  However, there is a reason the burnout rate for special ed teachers is so high…  There are days where you are emotionally attacked by your students, there are days their parents have many questions for you.  Over the course of these last three years I’ve learned that I take things personally and I need to distance myself, realize it’s not my fault the kid isn’t progressing on their IEP goal, but this is easier said than done.  This personal investment is also intertwined with your drive to be there for the kids.

I don’t know how this trip will change my perspective on teaching, but I imagine it will only make me want to teach kids more.  I revel in opening up their minds to obscure facts about the world.

-Did you know that North and South America are separated by the Panama Canal?

-Did you know there is a waterfall that is 1.5 miles in length?

-Did you know that people tell fortunes from coffee dregs?

So yes, I’m a teacher.  I’m not the cheery, smiley one.

I’m the one who always has to use a timer in 5 minute increments all day, has to circle point sheets for 13 year olds, and has to find something they might care to listen to.  Otherwise, they’re OUT, G-O-N-E.  Learning is hard and tied to a lot of anxiety for my kids.  But man, I LOVE it when they “own” their learning, when they realize their world is unique, when they come in the next day wanting to figure it out.  My kids don’t have that naturally.  I get to inspire them to learn while we do fractions and figure out how and why two letters have to make one sound.  I am that lucky.

A lot of the time I tell people I’m a special ed teacher I see a look of concern and sadness come over their face.  They are afraid to ask me questions, but I’m more than happy to tell them how awesome kids with disabilities are.