Teaching was nothing short of a waking nightmare. I really should devote an entire book to it while the wounds are still fresh. There is nothing quite like trying to force/convince/bribe/beg/threaten/coax humans to do something that really is to their own benefit. There is also nothing like being held accountable for circumstances you have no control over. Finally, there really isn't anything like not being paid what you're worth, with no hope of salary increases in the near future.
I absolutely refused to give my life and my youth to this profession. I admire anyone who does, for they truly are modern day martyrs.
Anyway, today, one of my coworkers asked me if I regret giving up my summers and my spring breaks. The short answer to his question was Hell-To-The-Fuck-No I Don't Regret That Shit! It was awful!
Furthermore, our breaks weren't really breaks because we knew we had to go back. It's almost like getting a leave of absence from jail. Sure, you get to go home for 3 months, but you've gotta go right back and be locked up for another 9. How then, is that 3 month reprieve, enjoyable?
I can't speak for the whole country, but where I'm from, teachers are given the dog's end of the stick. All the power lies with the student. If Little Johnny doesn't do his homework, guess who's fault that is? The teacher's! Because clearly she didn't motivate him enough to do his homework. I actually had a principal say this to me once. I'm sorry, but isn't it the PARENT'S job to motivate their child after school hours?? Or here's a thought, hows about the child motivating himself! Gasp! It took everything in me not to ask said principal, "Would you like me to wipe his ass for him too?"
With that said, walking away was probably one of the best decisions I ever made in my life. The sad part is, I was a damn good teacher. I don't have kids yet, but when I do, homeschooling is looking like a fine option.
No comments:
Post a Comment