The Lessons Teachers Learn While They Teach
I do not hold a professional teaching degree, but I have been teaching pre-schoolers, young children and teens for the last 25 years. Recently I substituted in a first grade class. The schedule was divided into two hours of reading, an hour and a half of math, 20 minutes for lunch, an hour for special areas and physical education, then one and a half hours to be divided between science, social studies and writing. These are the lessons the 14 students taught me that day.
This is a tribute to each and every teacher who gives of her time and love and expertise to teach our children. As a substitute teacher, I am even more aware of how important their jobs are. Today, the demands on teachers are greater than they have ever been before, to be the best they can be while making sure the students learn. This is no easy task, especially when there's a child or children in the class who is easily distracted, or who distracts others.
The Lessons Teachers Learn While They Teach
While in reading, I learned the only way I was going to make it through the day
Was if I had love in my heart and learned how to pray.
In math, I learned that screaming plus hollering would not get it right
I had to use the self-control equation and put my feelings out of sight
Then the students went to special areas and physical ed
That's when I could regroup and be thankful I wasn't dead
At lunchtime I learned how quickly I could devour a chef salad of mine
And watch every detail of those entrusted to my care at the same time
During social studies and science, I learned that God does make a way
When I looked at the clock, and it was less than an hour till end of day
I flunked the Walkers and Van Riders leave time course
I hope none of my students got left behind, kidnapped or worse
I had to work a partial car riders shift, and it was so cold
The children waited for parents inside the buildings as they were told
When I made that final lap to the office to turn my badge in
I learned that I'd made it through another day, only to live and learn again
Published by J.E. Ward
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10 Comments
Post a CommentAw I loved this. You have beautiful thoughts, thanks for sharing them :)
I don't know how you manage to be a substitute teacher, but you are to be commended, as it is so much harder than being a regular teacher! PS Congrats on your new AC/Yahoo level!
Great story and congrats on #6. That's where I'm at, too!
outstanding job! ♥ - and congratulations on 6; here's pushing you to 7
dang i see i didnt need any of my help to hit 80 but here is some love anyway hun
Great article, and remember, everything is a learning experience.
This is great, Jane! I have already nominated you for a Yahoo! Contributor Award (Good luck!) and now I am nominating your article for a prize as well. Hope you win!
great lesson my friend
Great poem, and lesson, well done!
Ok. Well, I THOUGHT I wanted to be a sub-teacher. After what you've shared, I"m reminded of a song by rap group TLC. "Dont go chasing waterfalls, please stick to the rivers and the lakes that you'e used to". I think I'll stick to what I know. LOL