Teacher's Assistant

Those who cannot do teach. Nope, that is all wrong. Those who care about others becoming the best they can be teach. Yep, that is about right.

Today, I had a 4th grader who struggles with behavior come in with my 1st graders as my teacher's assistant. I made a big deal about him being my only TA this year. Now this is a little guy who likes to torment others just to get on their nerves. Yet, when given responsibility to teach others he not only behaved perfectly but actually glowed with pride. Sometimes reaching out to others is what it takes for each of us to stop our poor behaviors and shine.

Like others, I can get caught up in my own little pity parties. Whining about everything from my missing son to the neglect I feel from my other children at times. Instead of being grateful for the time they spend with me, I get caught up with the time they devote to others. Dumb! At these bratty moments I need to get up off my snivel seat and run to help someone else who is in need of the same attention I seek.

My TA did a fabulous job, not a poke or hair tug for the entire hour. When we teach others or even reach out to others, the best of us comes forward. So I thank God I get to teach my children, my students, myself. Because putting others first which is truly what teaching is all about returns such amazing blessings to me. Guess you could say I teach for purely selfish reasons. Don't mean the paycheck mind you.

My true reward is all my former students who are still an important part of my life. Teaching is one of God's greatest gifts to me.

In Him,
Joyful
1-4-2010