I met with a group of young teachers. They remind me of people who are newly married, in the way they exude a certain idealism and passion. I love being around new teachers, because that energy is contagious. I know that the daily grind of paper work, grading and meaningless staff development meetings will all take there toll. I want to shelter them somehow, because I want teachers to feel that way about their jobs. However, the honeymoon does not last. In its place will be either a lasting bitterness or a more genuine love for the vocation. I love my job, not in that idealistic way, but in that rugged, realistic aspect. I decided to make a list of what I love.
1. I love the moment when a student learns and I can tell that it's not about a grade, but out of a desire to gain wisdom
2. My job is meaningful. I am not stuck in a cubicle doing data entry (unless I'm grading). Instead, I am engaging in meaningful dialogue about a subject I deem as important.
3. I am rarely bored and there are always so many challenges.
4. I have more autonomy than most people experience in the business world. Even though there are administrators, I feel like I am my own boss.
5. I have the chance to be creative. I design lesson plans, create projects and collaborate with students in service learning.
6. I have vacations, where I can spend time with my wife and my two sons. True, I work crazy hours during the school year. However, I rarely work weekends.
7. There is always an abundance of chocolate.
8. I can work out my convictions about empowrering the poor in a way that is practical. Rather than offering a handout, I can help students realize their goals.
9. I work a job that is based upon who I am, including my abilities, my skills and my philosophy of life.
10. Working with middle school students, I have the chance to laugh every day. I can use different accents, tell dumb jokes or act goofy and it often leads to better learning.