Sometimes, teachers, like actors and actresses get pigeon holed. We play the same role, teach the same grade level, year after year. Sometimes we get a bit stale. This trimester I inherited a bunch of Sophomores for English II. Now I havent taught this level for about five years. I was dreading it. Those of you who know me well know that I growl at the seventh graders who dare cross my path, and anyone under junior level usually gets a glare when he or she nears my room.
So I am wryly surprised when I reflect that I kind of like these younger kids. There is a bubbly exuberance about them....an unjaded goofiness that I find almost refreshing. Don't get me wrong. I love my seniors and juniors and always will enjoy the dialogue and the discourse I can have with them. But there is something to be said for stepping out of my comfort zone, and interacting with these underclassmen. Through them I'm finding the "art" of teaching again. And I think that is exactly what I need.
So I am wryly surprised when I reflect that I kind of like these younger kids. There is a bubbly exuberance about them....an unjaded goofiness that I find almost refreshing. Don't get me wrong. I love my seniors and juniors and always will enjoy the dialogue and the discourse I can have with them. But there is something to be said for stepping out of my comfort zone, and interacting with these underclassmen. Through them I'm finding the "art" of teaching again. And I think that is exactly what I need.