Well, since no one has checked this blog in a while, and I've not posted in quite some time either...maybe there is a connection? It's a bit overwhelming to think about posting something regarding my life. If only I could describe what happens to me in an average day. And yet, it's all become completely normal.
I know I said that joing TFA would be the most difficult thing I'd probably ever do, but I was also kind of hoping that I was wrong. I'm not. I cannot imagine doing anything more difficult, or more important (except maybe raising my own children) than what I am currently doing now.
Today my kids decided to do an activity that involved chocolate (something I actually planned) for the first part of class, and then run around the classroom and walk in and out of the door for the second half. Did I mention I teach 8th grade and NOT kindergarten? Oh, dear...but, this is what I do.
One of my student asked me the other day if he thought teachers would still come to school and teach if they didn't get paid. I said, some of them, but probably not all. Then he asked me if I would. I simply told him yes. I don't go teach for the money (who would for what we get paid??). I would NEVER continue this job if it was just for the money. Getting a pay check every other week is not what keeps me going. I get up and go to school in the morning in hopes that at least one student will learn something new that day. At least one student will take something I teach them and use it in the future. At least one student will know that they are valued and loved. Even if it's just one - it's worth it.
About Me
- duckmonkey
- Hey, hey! My name is Amy or Mrs. Congdon. I teach 8th grade math at Tilden Middle School in Philadelphia, PA. I am very excited, but also nervous. Here it goes!
5 comments:
I am really proud of you and what you are doing. I know that I feel that my job is far more valuable than a paycheck ever could be. I find it shapes me as a person to teach - and I hope that my students get something out of it too.
Good answer... Knowing that we are valued does amazing things for us- you may just have changed that little boy's life more than you will ever know.
I'm really proud of you, Amy. You're in a really difficult situation, and I can't begin to imagine how hard each day is.
By the way, I'm sure you are making a difference. :)
Hi Amy!
I found your blog through your husband's which was a link on Dave Berge's! I can definitely understand what you are talking about. I don't think there is another career out there that involves so many low moments and so many high moments. This first year of teaching has probably been the most challenging year of my entire life. We encounter so many obstacles each day, but just knowing that there are kids out there who are open to what we teach makes it all worth it! I hope you continue to post on this blog, because I would love to check in on it and see how teaching is going for you.
Shelley
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