So these past few weeks have made me realize something. I LOVE working with kids, but I want to work in a more stable EDUCATIONAL environment. Not saying that my current area isn't educational, but it's more like having the parent as the bigger part of your teacher profile pie.
Get it?
...no?
Ok! Let's try this....
As a teacher, you should be 1) a teacher, 2) a parent, 3) a friend....right? Something like that. I wish I had my documents actually ON this computer so I could look up some of the things I learned in my EDUC classes! Anyway, in THIS job that I'm currently working in, I'm more parent than teacher or friend by FAR. Last week, 4 kids had bathroom-related accidents at naptime. Only one kid had all the clothes he needed to change into. The others were missing either undergarments, pants, or everything. Seriously! So, like a concerned mother, I scoured the other classrooms, looking for "leftover clothes" (aka our lost and founds) for something that would fit the precious children. Eventually their accidents were forgotten, pants/etc were returned cleaned, and the children's tears of shame were gone.
But I don't want to be a parent. At least not as a paid job;) I crave more teaching, more looking at books, more going on field trips. Last week because of one teacher being given the day off, they moved the remaining teachers around and I was by myself with 10 kids (their age ratio). We were able to do a TON because there were only 10 of them! We sang marching songs and walked around the room, had a treasure hunt out of the classroom, and even stretched their legs out during circle times. It was great! But again, none of these had a real core educational purpose. They were merely to keep the children happy while their parents work.
Alright, this has turned into a massive rant of what seems like "why I hate my job." Believe me, hate is too strong a word! I'm not sure I even dislike the job; it's like when you have to go somewhere and you think about all the ways you could put it off but in the end you go and have a great time and wonder what you were thinking all day trying to NOT go. I do that on a daily basis. I enjoy the hugs, wiping away tears, the premade curriculum.
However, when other offers show up online - cmon Craigslist, Wash Post, WTOP, etc! - I'm trying them out. I'm looking to see if anyone out there's looking for someone like me. Eager to teach, eager to let kids explore and LEARN from anything we do! Does such an employer exist?
I am praying that God shows me where I'm meant to be. If I'm meant to be wiping noses, cleaning up accidents, and singing "Baby Bumblebee" for the next year in order to follow God's path and be closer to Him by obedience, I'll do it. Next step is praying for a non-grumbly heart in this - I have to constantly remind myself to be thankful, for what I have is a blessing that not everyone has.
No comments:
Post a Comment