I must admit something.
Since quitting my corporate job exactly 10 months ago in pursuit of an elementary teaching career, I've had the following thoughts creep up:
- What the $%@# did I just do?
- What if I hate kids?
- Money isn't everything...right?
- What if I don't get a job?
- Holy Cow. Every state is making about 2 bazillion dollars in education budget cuts. I'm definitely not getting a job.
You get the point.
But the past two days have put all of my worrisome thoughts to rest.
I began student teaching in a fourth grade classroom this week. I am now 100% positive that I made the right decision and wasn't absolutely wack-a-doodle for quitting my job to pursue a dream. I am in love with my host teacher. I am in love with the kids. And I'm in the NUMBER ONE school district in my area.
Obsessed.
Yes. I'm completely aware that the hard part hasn't even begun. I am prepared for sleepless nights, tears, and even a few nervous breakdowns. But it's totally worth it.
Teaching is absolutely what I was put on this earth to do.
P.S. Be sure to remind me of this when I experience the aforementioned nervous breakdowns. Mmmk? Thanks.
16 comments:
I'll be your debbie downer comment LOL This is my sixth year teaching. It all seems picture perfect when you are student teaching, in a NICE school great district great staff then it comes time to get a job.....LOL Pay is terrible for teachers, even if you are in a top district. I love teaching, but it does wear on you after a while! One year you'll have an amazing group of kids and the next you think oh lordy I wanna go jump off a bridge! haha I kid. but you know what I mean. Getting a job will be really really hard......education has NO MONEY and every year they Riff teachers because of it.
Teaching is a wonderful and very difficult profession. If you love love love the students and working in the classroom, then the other hard parts do seem worth it. I can't wait to hear all about your student teaching :)
That's great!!! I think everyone deserves to follow their dream and I'm glad to hear that so far it's working out great for you!
Good for you!!! I cannot imagine doing anything else. I am in my 7th year and it is the most rewarding job. Yes, there are rough days and even rough years but one good day makes up for all of it. -REALLY.
The pay is not terrible, the schedule is Great, and no day is ever he same. Anyway. So glad you are loving it!
Im excited to read more about your adventures in student teaching. This is my sixth year and I love it. Yes, it is hard, yes the pay is crummy, but there is NOTHING that will fill my heart with as much joy as teaching :) I wish you the same thing!
I'm so glad you are loving student teaching! A fab mentor teacher makes all the difference! Our district was supposed to make a lot of teacher cuts last year, but was able to hire everyone back!! It can be hard and stressful sometimes, but it always seems like we get a break when we need it the most!
It is so inspiring that you are following your dream! I am currently in practicum in the schools as a school psychologist and it so refreshing to see enthusiastic teachers that are in the job for the students! Can't wait to hear some funny stories about your classroom!
I'm so thrilled for you! I started my teacher education classes in the final semesters of college and ended up not sticking with it because I'd spent the previous several years focused on something else and I owed it to myself to try. WELL. I've been in my "career" for four years now, and I wish I'd stuck with teaching. I LOVED teaching. I realize that I may be looking at it from a "grass is always greener", but, honestly, I don't feel passionate about my job, and I know it's a huge blessing if you do. So, congrats and YAY that you've found something you are passionate about.
So so so so happy for you!!!
Glad that you are enjoying your decision and the Ta!!
I'm so happy for you!
I understand why you're asking yourself these questions. I also work in the corporate world and after my 60-70 hour work weeks, I too ask myself a lot of questions.
Why am I pushing myself this hard?
Is this really what I want in my life?
Do I want to be that person that can't live life because I'm so consumed with work?
Should I pursue a different field?
The fact of the matter is that we're always going to question decisions that we've made in life but it's all in how we deal with it!
I've always contemplated becoming a teacher as well. Wishing you the best!
Ang I still have those thoughts, and its been over 2 years for me! I alllllllllllmost reapplied at Amica too. But then just before I hit "submit" I backed out. WTF?!?
i fully support knowing what you were created to do. and god bless you for teaching. i know beyond a shadow of a doubt that teaching is absolutely NOT what i was created to do. so thanks for doing it for me. (: i appreciate you! keep up your enthusiasm...and here's hoping the nervous breakdowns are few and far between...
SO happy to hear you are loving it!
I totally know that this isn't the point of the post, but my two favorite quotes are:
"What if I hate kids?"
"Money isn't everything...right?"
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