“The whole art of teaching is only the art of awakening the natural curiosity of young minds for the purpose of satisfying it afterwards.”- Anatole France
THE JOURNEY
She did not know where life would take her. There was always so much on her mind about what career she wanted to pursue. If she can recall, she never thought she would be a teacher. She wanted to become a neonatologist or an obstetrician. She went to school to pursue a career in the field of Phlebotomy. Working in this field was challenging and she quickly noticed that this was a very depressing environment for her. The dreams and aspirations she had when she was a child was always embedded in the medical field. She wanted to help people and do good in her community. But, somehow life took her down a different path and here she is today, in a classroom.
Teachers are leaders, mothers, caregivers, comforters. They are so much more than we give them credit for. They spend more time with our children that we do. They prepare their minds for what’s to come in the future. They wear unforeseen capes, they stand for long hours and spend many nights grading papers and writing lesson plans. They are our LEGENDS! They work all year round in most cases. Getting up on a Monday morning with a smile or a frown, they must be in our classrooms to teach our children. Where would we be without our teachers? A world unseen maybe, no careers, no pathways, no hope. But, with teachers, we have that hope like a fire within.
Katherine is a Science Teacher in an Urban Neighborhood in Miami, Florida. She is currently completing her Master’s In Education at Florida International University. She loves and cares for her children like no other and while she says her job is by far not an easy one, she loves what she does. Being in the classroom gives her pleasure and reminds her of her younger self and the bonds that she had created with her teachers. This gives her hope for these little minds that enter her classroom daily.
She says that, “A lot of people get discouraged when thinking about the salary associated with teaching. It pushes a lot of potentially great teachers away. ”
Teachers are truly not paid enough in today’s society. This is not a job related to monetary gain but one that reflects passion. You have to find happiness in knowing that you might just change the life of one child.
Monday for Katherine: "It puts me in a routine that I will get used to. Sometimes it’s exhausting and it’s true what they say: Monday’s drag!!!! However, if you have a goal in mind, it won’t be so hard to get up. "
Tips/Advice: Make sure you are passionate about working with children and youth. If you don’t have a passion for the job, a lot of things will drive you out of this career field such as the pay, the parents, administration. Also, strive to have a real relationship with your students. I am not much older than my students and happen to have two younger siblings around their age, so I naturally treat them and talk to them like a big sister and that makes the journey more rewarding. You can also strive to be a mentor or a friend (if the students are older), but the point is to build a trusting relationship with them. This will increase their performance and make the experience worthwhile.
I surely can relate to what is said about teachers. For me teaching transcends passion it is my minister. It is the platform in which you have the opportunity to mold young minds. If remuneration is your end goal , then surely do not choose teaching. Plus it would be an injustice to the children you teach.
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Thanks so much for sharing.
Thanks for the comment Genya! I’m glad you can relate. Teachers truly do mold young minds and that is the greatest gift for me. Even knowing I have affected one life positively, means the world!
Katherine, I stand in solidarity with you by saying we wear many caps as teachers. There must be a passion for teaching, not a paycheck! As challenging as the classroom is, everyday I meet my heroes in my classroom. As a special education teacher, I know it’s a ministry that God has given to me. Otherwise, I would have been crushed a long time. My encouragement to you is to Stay the course.
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Thank for you comment. What the world be like without teachers? The world is finally recognizing how important our teachers are in this time of crisis.
Thanks Doreen! I quote the famous Aristotle when I say “Those who know, do. Those that understand, teach.” Teaching is one of the greatest gifts I have discovered in myself thus far, and I hope to keep learning everyday as I continue this journey.
Katherine ! Thank you for all you’re doing for our youth and students ! I truly believe Teachers are the foundation and starting point for all professions! You guys don’t get enough credit and I am here to let yin know you are appreciated! I was wondering what are some techniques/tips that you share with parents that are homeschooling for the first time during this pandemic?
Thank you so much for your support, it means a lot! Homeschooling during this pandemic is definitely difficult for most parents. I encourage them to make a schedule for their children so that they are in a routine like they would be in school. The schedule doesn’t have to be elaborate, but they should have an allotted time for them to log into their online platforms, and a time for them to take brain breaks! This way the students don’t feel overwhelmed and like they’re spending too much time doing work, especially if their sleep schedule is now off balance. I also suggest for parents to participate in online webinars available through their school district. They’re free and can help parents learn how to navigate these online platforms and assist their students in new ways. Also, I really suggest students stay at a pace they are comfortable with!! Teachers are instructed to be lenient in grading during this time, so don’t let any teachers or school personnel make you feel like they will be penalized for non-completion of work in their given time frame. Stay at your own pace and do the best you can! Don’t be afraid to reach out to your teachers and let them know any situations that may be occurring so they can cooperate with you. I hope these tips help and I hope you are staying safe and hopeful during this time!