"Do you have twenty years of experience, or one year of experience repeated twenty times?" Durka page 66
I found myself connected to this quote. As I enter my fifth year teaching I do not feel I am as clueless as I was when I first started but the jitters and doubt in self still linger. It IS a feeling of vulnerability to put yourself on display everyday to your students, faculty and administration. Many times ideas we have and activities/lessons we plan just don't work out. As it stated in Chapter 7 "Teaching is a public activity"
As Maureen has mentioned in class, people think that teachers can just reuse the same material year after year and that teaching is 'easy' after that first year- I just do not think that is the case! I beg to differ that every year is challenging just in different ways. The students are different and we find that some things work incredibly well and other lessons just fail. We are always works in progress as educators and we have to welcome in that fact and be flexible. Every year is a new opportunity for growth and to become a stronger educator.
In the next Chapter in the poem by T.S. Elliot I had two lines that stuck with me
"You must go by a way which is the way of ignorance.
In order to posses what you do not posses"
What I loved about this is in reminded me of my first year teaching., It was a interesting time for me and what I realized is what my gifts are and where my shortcomings are and I grew in my ability to identify what I do well and where I need work. I truly learned my shortcomings. I had to go through that first year in order to discover what they are and I was completely ignorant of them before. I was so grateful for that chance. It was a wonderful piece of my teaching inner journey. I feel I am a much stronger person because of it. Teaching is beautiful because we have the chance to work in such a supportive environment. I have grown by asking for help where I need it. I have learned to discuss ideas and run lessons by my fellow faculty for advice.
To end on a happy note "For many teachers, this passion for the possible is what nourishes them and gives them joy" What a powerful statement! Thanks for being a part of a community that reminds me of this daily!
Hi Lindy,I love your honesty!!! Sounds like you've learned so much about teaching, and you are becoming so wise, and you are still a fairly new teacher (less than 10 years!!). You talked about "vulnerability." And, yes, a true teacher, a real teacher is one that makes herself "vulnerable." It's only in our vulnerability that we are able to make that difference for our students, ourselves and the world. Humility and vulnerability keep us real....
ReplyDeleteBlessed be God!
ReplyDeleteDear Lindy,
You said that "teaching is beautiful because we have the chance to work in such a supportive environment." Indeed it is beautiful! The supportive environment is created when every member in the school community is willing to create an atmosphere where Gospel values are taught, learned, and practiced.
You mention also that you "have grown by asking for help where you need it" It means that you are humble enough to recognize that you don't have all the answers! Congratulations! You are a wise young teacher that will continue to grow in wisdom every day in your teaching mission.
God bless!
Lindy your honest self-reflection is a great strenth you possess. Knowing your inner self so well will only enhance your relationship with your students and collegues and make your teaching better each year. Having the confidence to ask for help demonstrates your dedication to your vocation. You desire to be the best teacher you can be! Also, it builds community and creates a "team" atmosphere with your fellow staff members. What more could a principal or collegue ask for?!
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