Fantasy v Reality

2017-11-20T18:58:00.002-08:00

I've wanted to be a teacher since the 3rd grade. I envied Mrs. Rogero's neon paper! Her stickers! Her drawer full of mints!! Yep. That is all that it took; my 9 year old self had decided teaching was in my future. Well, as it turns out...there is more to teaching than awesome supplies.

Is teaching what I thought it would be? hmmmmm

When I use to think about teaching I had this vision of me in a classroom surrounded by eager-to-learn-students. In this vision I am a fountain of new information for these parched learners, who are happily hanging on to my every word.

...I think I watched to much Disney growing up.

Alas, the reality of teaching is much different than the fantasy version I had created. I had only superficially thought about being an educator. I had never really pulled back any layers or attempted to unpack what "being an educator" means.

Now, I have a deep understanding and appreciation for what it means to be an educator. I am grateful for my experiences in student teaching and from the many mentors all the way. Teaching is tough. Teaching is thoughtful. Teaching is exciting. Teaching is exhausting. Teaching is rewarding. Being an educator is, to me, like being a parent. You know how people say that you can't understand their feelings toward their child until you have a child of your own? Well, I do not think that you can truly recognize and appreciate all the factors that make "an educator" until you are one yourself.

tbc...

MORRISSEY

Fantasy v Reality