School's Out For Teachers!

'School's out for summer!' Isn't it funny, when we were kids, we thought the teachers were sad school was ending. 'Hello!' I think the teachers are more thrilled for summer than the students. As much as we love the little darlings in our classes, we also love having time to spend with our own families and traveling. Let's see, sleeping in is always good, and getting to just read is excellent.

Some say we are spoiled to have the summer off. I suppose we are. Another blessing is that teachers get to reflect on the last school year and determine what worked well and what needs to be tossed. Each fall we are able to start over and do a better job than the year before.

I love having the opportunity to teach. Although I complain about all the testing we are doing lately, I would still rather teach than anything else. Teaching pays less than waiting tables, even after 30 years of teaching. But none of us teaches for the pay. We teach for the kids and the opportunity that we have to affect their lives in a positive way.

Last week, I went to a training on 40 assets. Around that room were teachers from our community who have impacted each of my kid's lives. Just sitting in the room with them made me proud. While they were making a difference in my kids' lives, I had the privilege of touching other lives.

Teachers spend so much time with their students. Reading, writing, and arithmetic are not the important lessons we teach. Building classroom communities that are safe and encouraging to all students is the measure of a successful year.

As we close down our rooms and say our good byes, we will each look in those faces and hope for their futures. Then we'll head to the door, turn out the lights, and squeal out of the parking lot for a much deserved rest. But within a few days, the wheels in our heads will begin planning for the next group that will steal our hearts and be our family for awhile.

In Him,

Joyful
5-16-2010

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