The good - H

I always talk about how much I'm looking forward to getting away from work - i.e. the year being over, week long breaks, etc. I realize I often complain about my job more than I praise it, but I want to say that I do love many aspects of my job and appreciate the various lessons I've learned from teaching the last 5 years. I think one of the most important lessons I've learned, which will translate to parenting, is that the relationship developed with your students is one of the important things in teaching, and I think one of the most rewarding parts about teaching. I enjoy being part of what's going on in their lives and participating in what little way I can to help them in their journey toward college/work/the future. I can't control the tone of the relationships b/c they involve another person, and with so many students it's just a handful with whom I've built this kind of rapport, but they have been rewarding none-the-less.

I also find it exciting to see what the students can do, to see their character. I see this when I take a step back and step out of the picture and let them run. I don't get to do this often, but it's so interesting to see what they can do on their own and what they are made of. There are some exceptional young people that have come through my classroom, and I'm not talking about their academic performance. I've been impressed by their character, by their humility, they way in which they treat their peers and other people, the class that they exhibit, and the maturity that they have developed, among other things. (Of course there are those the exhibit both academic prowess and exceptional character, which really impresses me b/c I think it's hard to be humble while excelling as a student in an enviroment where students are so competitive with each other.) Anyway, I don't often get to see these things b/c there is so much to do in class, and so I don't often expect it. When I do, I am really amazed and impressed.

I find it tough to be a teacher b/c there are so many aspects that I can't control, and there's always room for improvement which leaves me feeling like I never arrive at a comfortable place where I feel confident that I'm doing a good job. This is probably why I complain more than I should. It's a daily performance, with daily evaluation as I process all kinds of formal and informal feedback from my students and even as I reflect and criticize myself. I don't know that parenting will be any different. Maybe it's even worse b/c it seems that those judgments come from 3rd party observers rather than those directly involved. Still, the thought of being part of Baby's life and seeing her bloom and flourish, to see her character develop, to see what she can do, and getting to know her - that's going to be a lot of fun! I hope I can step back daily and enjoy my children. I know I can get caught up in the end goals when it comes to teaching, and it probably wouldn't be any different as a parent. I hope I have understanding, gracious children. I'll definitely need it.