(click on the above graphic to see previous Saturday Sayings)
For years my goal has been to perfect first grade, knowing full well that I'll never see the day when I can check that off my list. Oddly enough the impossibility has never discouraged me.
As I look towards my future, I can't help but glance at my past. (insert cringe) I have to ask the question... Eighteen years ago when I was right out of college, did that class of innocent, eager little first graders learn anything from me? And what about the two or three years after that? I sadly shake my head, and then I can hear the voice that probably a hundred times over in moments like this has said, "They learn in spite of you." (Thank you Janice Sullivan for speaking those words into my life 16 years ago. They've repeatedly come to my rescue.)
A post from Life With Mrs. L reminded me that we teachers can be pretty hard on ourselves. Like Mrs. L said, "I am my own worst critic." Isn't that true? I left her a comment that brought me hope and hopefully her as well. I said, "...my future students are always going to learn from a better version of myself."
Today, 18 years into my profession, I think I have a fairly good grasp on my craft. Yet obviously I don't know what I'll know 10 years from now. Do I mourn for the children who I teach today? Of course not. They're learning from a better version of the teacher I am today compared to who I was even a few years ago. Instead of mourning, I expectantly look forward to continually perfecting who I am, knowing I'll always strive to make sure my students are learning from a better version of myself.
Don't forget to visit other Saturday Sayings from these three excellent blogs. Just click on each picture. I'm excited to read what they're sharing today too!
I can only imagine that you have always been a great teacher! I look back at how much I have learned over the years and wish I knew then what I know now. It is a goal of mine too to always strive to learn and do better.
ReplyDeleteLori
Conversations in Literacy
Lori, thanks for commenting again. I can only imagine that you've always been a great teacher. Right back at ya.
DeleteOh my gosh goose bumps! That is exactly how I have always felt. I am always looking for a better more "perfect" way to teach, to be a teacher.But last summer I finally figured out it's our drive to learn and change that is exactly what our kiddos need and deserve. The day I stop WANTING to learn and improve in my teaching is the day I should retire. Me thinks we have more than our names in common Tammy! I hope someday we have the pleasure of meeting and learning face to face!
ReplyDeleteTammy2
First Grade @ Klinger Cafe
dtklinger@gmail.com
Tammy, I so agree. It will be time to retire when this post no longer applies to me. I'm very honored to have the same name as you and the same philosophy as well. Wouldn't it indeed be fun to one day meet up!
DeleteTammy...I look back on the first years of teaching and realize that I didn't know one thing about curriculum and instruction.(I don't remember what I learned in college!) However, I loved my students! Great teachers are just like their students; they continue to learn and grow. Teachers just like you!
ReplyDeleteSandi, you're so right. Love covers a multitude of sins, and that's probably one of the reasons they can learn in spite of us. They know we love them. Thanks for being a great teacher and learner as well!
DeleteTammy, thanks for sharing....I have always been amazed that teachers do not receive a few more years of "in the trenches" training. Of course, we don't receive the types of salaries that are given to doctors, but the medical profession does a good job with training!
ReplyDeleteNot every teacher will score a job in a supportive, collaborative environment. Those who do will be mentored by others and exposed to inventive teaching strategies. The internet is also providing us with a wider window into the world of teaching. Before blogging, I would never have 'known' you! Thank God for technology!!
Have a great weekend ReadWriteSing
Chrissy, thanks for coming by and leaving a comment. Teachers are certainly thrown into their profession, aren't they? Like you said, hopefully there's a lot of wisdom and support surrounding them.
DeleteTammy, this is such a profound post! Still being in my early years of teaching, I am completely aware of my own growth as a teacher. It makes me sad to think of my first year group and reflect on how much I have grown and how much more I know now! I do know however that I loved those kiddos fiercely and they got everything from me that I was capable of giving. I hope I continue to get better every year!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.amazon.com/Elementary-Middle-School-Mathematics-Developmentally/dp/0205573525/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334378929&sr=8-1
oops! wrong link :)
DeleteJulie
Light a Fire in Third Grade
Julie, I know you will get better every year. We all do. I'm sure your kids are blessed to be loved by a teacher like you. (I've almost accidentally left the wrong link too.) :)
DeleteI'm sure your first year of kiddos STILL remember you as one of their favorite teachers just because you were YOU, regardless or not how you felt you did as a teacher. P.S. Love the picture!
ReplyDeleteMy friend Paige, I sure hope my first year kids think that. I love that picture too. Can we go back?
DeleteEven though I have been teaching for 29 years, I am consistently changing, evolving, maturing as a teacher. I am new to the blogging scene, but reading some of these posts has made me realize that there are others out there who's vision is similar to mine. Yes, I like to motivate with cuteness, but my main motivation is lighting that spark and watching that fire grow and burn! I want some of my old classes back again for a do-over!! Nothing can take the place of kids doing, reading, exploring, connecting. Thanks for motivating me!
ReplyDeleteNancy, thanks for coming by. It sounds like we have very similar visions. (I totally understand the do-over concept!)
DeleteThank you for your positive post. I love the way you emphasized that we are constantly learning and growing. It is true. And I don't mind you quoting my blog at all. Thanks for letting me know.
ReplyDeleteLife with Mrs. L
Mr. L, it was your blog that helped push me to write this post. I'd been putting it on the shelf. Reading your thoughts reminded me that this post was worth putting out there. Thanks!
DeleteHi Tammy,
ReplyDeleteThanks for writing this post! I always look forward to reading the latest Saturday Sayings! What a great way to reflect and inspire new thinking!
My goal as a teacher is to help students develop a passion and a lifetime love of learning. The best way I've found thus far is to model this love for learning. As a first-year teacher, I look back and realize that there are a million things I would go back and do differently. However, after much thought and reflection, I've decided that I don't regret making any of those mistakes because they've made me a much better teacher. I am always learning and growing every single day!
What's most important to me is that my students leave my classroom feeling loved and cared for and excited about learning. It is through this enthusiasm, along with a positive learning environment, that students will want to deepen and expand their knowledge base and explore and discover new things about the world around them.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! :-)
Chelsea
divinginandmakingasplash.blogspot.com
Chelsea, your feedback means a lot. You've added some very important thoughts into the mix. You're very right. The way we teachers, novice or veteran, create a loving and learning environment is so important. Thank you for reflecting with me.
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