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Who are we?

Who are these people who become teachers?

We are workers who accept the reality that we will never receive huge paychecks or impressive bonus checks, and we accept the reality that our job does not end when the students leave the classroom at the end of the day. We also accept the reality that even though we are not in our classroom we continue to work during the weekends, holidays,and summer months too!

Let me explain these statements . It takes a great deal of time, money and effort to earn two college degrees in order to be able to teach. After that initial expense we continue to spend more money throughout the school year on materials for class projects, snacks, and special lessons for which we are not reimbursed. We also accept that our salary is modest and that we will always need to live a frugal lifestyle. Now, what also needs to be stated is that in very few occupations can you feel so wonderfully accomplished by knowing that you helped a child to be their best!

Where else but in teaching can you affect a child's life and help that child to see their true potential? Whenever one of my former students returns for a visit to show me what they have accomplished, I am overwhelmed with pride to see what they have done. My students always enjoyed hearing the stories from former students about what we did in class years ago, and how that helped shape their lives!

The next statement is that our job does not end when the students are dismissed. It is at this hectic part of the day that we work on our lesson plans (primary school teachers had to write plans for reading, English, math, penmanship, health, social studies and science). We also have to phone our parents about issues concerning their children. Sometimes these phone calls would lead to conferences which might be scheduled before the school day begins, or afterwards.

Teachers are always working over the weekends, holidays and summer vacation. I can remember how surprised one parent was when I called him on a Sunday afternoon to discuss his child. He asked, "You are calling me on Sunday afternoon?" I responded that since I was unable to contact him during the week, I had no other choice. He was so very grateful to learn what I had to share about his child and understood why it was necessary for me to make that phone call.

During the holiday breaks there are always reports to be graded, tests to be reviewed, and projects to be planned. All of this is part of the life of a teacher...someone who is drawn to this profession not for the monetary rewards, but for the satisfaction of knowing how you have helped shape the life of a child.

It is during the summer months that new textbooks are explored and sometimes workshops are attended. It is also the only time when we can try to relax and renew ourselves for the next year. Time to prepare ourselves to meet our new students, their families, and their problems. Each year produces different circumstances for which we must be able to address.

And each year we are lucky enough to be able to help someone realize their true potential. For this effort we get to see a sparkle in their eyes, hear them say, "Thank you for helping me!" and know that we had a place in creating their future.

That's who we are!

Learn more about this author, Felicia Arnold.
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