I love teaching, I really do, but lately I have been on the verge of a burn out. Seniors with a severe case of senior-itis, students who can't seem to finish assignments or read at home, which then results in a wasted lesson plan, has taken its toll. This week, however, I was reminded that teaching isn't just about the content.
It's about the students and the person they are becoming.
This week was student-led conferences. I have a group of freshmen who had to sit down with their parents and show them what they had been doing in portfolio each week.
I sat back and marveled at the poise of some students, clearly explaining to their parents the goals they had set, what classes they were planning on taking next year, and how that would help them reach their goal of going to college or helping them with their chosen career path.
What I loved most was hearing the pride in my students' voices as they showed their "best works" from this year. Some of the assignments were picked because they scored 100%, but many of my students said " Mom/Dad, I picked this because I had a hard time with this section. I am really proud of this grade because I finally understood it."
And that is what teaching is really about. Helping my students take pride in their work, helping them learn that they can succeed. And letting them know I appreciate their hard work and am proud of them!
