Teacher... likes and dislikes

Sometimes I have to pinch myself to be sure I really am a teacher. Ok- maybe not... the day to day demands of teaching serve as reminder enough.

I always knew deep down I would grow up to be a teacher. My mom said all along it was in my blood. In high school- I volleyed back and forth between teaching and nursing... strange I know. Inevitably I followed in my mother's footsteps. She retired from teaching the same May I walked across the stage with my teaching certificate. Often people ask me whats the best thing about your job? What's the most challenging? So... allow me to share a few..

Best...
- God blessed me with the absolute BEST team of teachers to "guide my through" my ILT experience. My first year I fell into the best setup with Melinda, Mary Beth and Mary. To this day we call ourselves the BFFs. We share a special bond that I know I'll never find again. My teammates were the ONLY reservation I had about leaving my first teaching job. God must have known how much I would miss my BFFs because he had a blessing in disguise waiting on me at my new school, Amy. Amy has been the epitome example of what a teacher is and should be. Along with the camaraderie we share in our profession we share a common faith. She is my "sounding board"... I love our daily walks around the track during recess.
-Sharing in your student's sucesses. Academic and extra curricularly.
-Parental compliments.
-Technology resources.
-Watching "the light come on".
-Learning with my students. You're never too old to learn.
-Former students keeping in touch.
-Hugs and high fives.
-Being able to joke around with my 5th graders.
-The funny comments and sayings students say without realizing how funny they are.
-5th grade- is a fun grade. Students are old enough to learn cool things, hold good discussions... yet young enough to "be a kid"... childhood innocence.
-I love reading aloud to my students.


Not so fun...
-Having to "teach to the test" (EOGs)
-Non supportive parents.
-NEVER ending to-do lists.
-NEVER enough time in the day.
-NOT having the resources to meet the needs of every child.
-5th graders can sometimes mature too quickly into "6th graders"


I guess the positives far outweigh the negative in the grand scheme of things...