Teachers, do you use your powers for good or for evil?
December is nigh upon us, and with the Advent of Christ comes the ending of a year. I see that my words into this non-existent space we call the internet have been fewer this year. I credit that to being a teacher at the beginning of her career. This is my second year at my current work, the second year of full-time teaching in which I bear the responsibility of curriculum development, assessment, attending regular staff meetings/parent-teacher meetings, and so forth. Adjacent my table sits a a pile of Call of the Wild journals to correct; that it is 11 PM is no matter. If I want to be a quality teacher, I need to give timely feedback on assessments.
Most things in life can either be approached from a spirit of thankfulness or one of complaint. I choose thankfulness. I'm thankful for these projects, because it means that I'm employed, that I have the freedom to give creative assignments, that I students who complete their homework, and so much more. Being a teacher may require rising with the sun from dreams invaded by classrooms and students, but it also means that I am directly connected to the development of the minds and hearts of all 10 classes of students that I regularly teach--a burden and privilege not lightly to be borne. One of my segunda students (think about 6th grade, Americans) called me "Super Teacher" today. Like any superhero, I have to choose to use my powers for good or for evil. Will I use my influence to inspire or discourage students? To encourage them to push themselves or to allow them to be apathetic? Will I instill in them a love for learning and a respect for hard work and self-discipline or will I incur their spite? On days when I'm just as (or more) tired than my students, will I deplete their energy or acquire more energy by God's grace and pass that on instead?
I am blessed to have mostly good teachers and professors in my memory. I don't recall any as being particularly unjust or lazy. I deeply admire their commitment, and I pray and work that I may aspire to instill some of the values in my own students that I have thanks to them. So, dear readers, my students' journals await grading. Know that while I am silent in this virtual space, words are regularly going forth to my dear students.
Most things in life can either be approached from a spirit of thankfulness or one of complaint. I choose thankfulness. I'm thankful for these projects, because it means that I'm employed, that I have the freedom to give creative assignments, that I students who complete their homework, and so much more. Being a teacher may require rising with the sun from dreams invaded by classrooms and students, but it also means that I am directly connected to the development of the minds and hearts of all 10 classes of students that I regularly teach--a burden and privilege not lightly to be borne. One of my segunda students (think about 6th grade, Americans) called me "Super Teacher" today. Like any superhero, I have to choose to use my powers for good or for evil. Will I use my influence to inspire or discourage students? To encourage them to push themselves or to allow them to be apathetic? Will I instill in them a love for learning and a respect for hard work and self-discipline or will I incur their spite? On days when I'm just as (or more) tired than my students, will I deplete their energy or acquire more energy by God's grace and pass that on instead?
I am blessed to have mostly good teachers and professors in my memory. I don't recall any as being particularly unjust or lazy. I deeply admire their commitment, and I pray and work that I may aspire to instill some of the values in my own students that I have thanks to them. So, dear readers, my students' journals await grading. Know that while I am silent in this virtual space, words are regularly going forth to my dear students.
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