I consider teaching the profession that “calls my name,” but that doesn’t mean I don’t question my decision to become a teacher on a weekly, if not daily, basis. I go home exhausted from “performing” all day, only to begin my evening routine of grading papers, planning lessons, and venturing to school to make that last set of copies. Every once in a while, I even visit Craig’s list to see which jobs I’m qualified for.
Some days, I get a reminder of why I chose this profession. I get a note in a student’s “quick write” notebook thanking me for providing a 90 minute safe-haven and distraction from her divorcing parents. I have a student thank me for allowing her some “break time” in my quiet classroom during the lunch hour. Or, they smile and say, “This is my favorite class!”
This week, I got a huge reminder. Last semester, I had a very dear student who was going through drug rehab. She was struggling with addiction in a very real and scary way. We often wrote each other letters in her notebook, I made it clear that I was rooting for her, I prayed for her in a fervent manner, and I kept in close contact with her mom. My teacher-friend told me that this student’s mom said “Ms. McGowan saved my daughter’s life.” I know it’s not true. Yet, I know that I connected with this student in a real way.
How can I stop teaching?
Friday, November 17, 2006
Why I am a teacher
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3 comments:
that makes ME want to become a teacher! i have no doubt that you're used on a regular basis to help these students. you're awesome ms. mcgowan.
I wouldn't be so sure its not true. Saving lives isn't just for cops and firemen. It is done through prayer and encouraging words every day. I had a couple of teachers like you at a rough, rebellious time in high school. I probably wasn't on the verge of physical death. But I'm pretty sure that without their prayers and support--even when I was very rude to them--I wouldn't be where I am now. Don't stop teaching. But even more, don't stop caring. Thanks for the inspiration.
Wow Sherry. Really, I'm proud of the patience and perseverence this blog obviously makes light of. I wouldn't ask for a better teacher than you.
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