As school resumed after a 2-week break, I came back to this thought: Teaching is the most exhausting, yet most rewarding profession. Try to tell me otherwise. To be completely honest, it still seems surreal that I have my own classroom and my own students who look to ME to teach them, love them, and encourage them to do their best.
Here are the reasons teaching is the most exhausting profession:
1. Mental: Studies show that, on average, teachers have to make more than 1,500 decisions every day. That's more than 4 each minute. Decision-making is difficult, especially when you have little ones looking to you for information, guidance, and support. Not only do you make instructional decisions, but also decisions like "Who should I allow to go to the nurse?" "Which student(s) were talking and what should I do about it?" "How am I going to make sure all of my learning styles are accommodated?" "When do I begin teaching..." "How should I set up the classroom?" "What should my rules be?" The who, what, when, where, why, and how are daily questions teachers ask and answer.
2. Emotional: The burden teachers carry for their students often goes unnoticed. You do not always see the behind-the-scenes support teachers provide. This includes teaching students to respect themselves and have a growth mindset. So many of us, including myself, get caught in an emotional state that tells us we aren't good enough and we cannot achieve what others do. It is the same way with students in the classroom. While a teacher is battling his or her own emotions throughout the day, a student's needs are always at the forefront. A teacher provides tools for the student and pours out positivity just so one student can have a better day.
3. Physical: No, teachers do not do a lot of heavy lifting, but combine the mental & emotional part of teaching and it can also be physically exhausting. So much energy is spent making sure students are listening, focusing, learning, and growing. It also involves standing all day long, constant supervision, and dedication to the safety of every student.
Please do not mistake this post as a complaint. I love what I do, but I feel like teachers can be under-appreciated for the work they do. I understand that doctors, nurses, and policeman save lives. They can be under-appreciated as well. But ask that doctor how they got where they are today. Someone had to TEACH them medical terminology and procedures. Somewhere along the line, they were influenced by a good teacher who challenged them to be the best version of themselves. That's what teaching is all about.
So, here is why teaching is the most rewarding profession:
1. The "aha" moments: When students finally understand something and that 'lightbulb' comes on in their head, there is always pure joy on their faces. It is the little moments like these that make teaching so worth it.
2. Progress: Whether it is behaviorally, emotionally, or academically, teachers love to see the progress their students make. There is nothing like going back through data and seeing the growth over a semester or even the whole year. There is nothing like watching a shy student interact and make friends. There is nothing like noticing positive changes in behavior from a student who once displayed more negative behaviors.
3. LOVE: Seriously. I am not joking here. Every hug, word of encouragement, or high-five is worth it. When a student hugs you, it makes the day better. The students inside your classroom become more like a family and you begin to feel your heart grow two sizes or more the longer you are with them. I constantly refer to my students as "my kids" because while they are with me, that's the way it feels.
I said all that to say this: Teaching is both the most exhausting and most rewarding profession. I may be a little biased, but I doubt you could change my mind. Thank a teacher today for their hard work and dedication to your children! If I did not have so many amazing teachers in my life, I'm not sure where I would be today. Their influence led me to choose the same career path and I am so thankful I did. It might not be Teacher Appreciation Week or Month, but in my book, every day is a good day to celebrate a teacher.
Teachers, Happy First Week Back after break...The struggle is real, but it's always worth it!