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.
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.
3 Comments
Tony
4/11/2011 08:19:41 am
Look at the littlest kids. Everything is a joy, everything is exciting and that's because everything is new. Sure they fall and skin their knees but that only makes the experience more memorable. Growl all you want mama bear, each time that light goes on you can't help but smile!
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Tina
4/11/2011 10:31:31 am
Each year I've been thrown these curves: try a math class!, how about remedial English?, freshman World Cultures? The are a sea of wary faces at first, but so quickly they differentiate into interesting and infuriating individuals who worm their way into my heart. You can't help it, Julie, you are a teacher.
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Kate Baer
4/12/2011 09:35:37 am
This made me smile...and miss you :)
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Julie HerwickI love my job. Teaching is an art and I enjoy learning and growing along with my students. I can't think of any thing else I'd rather do. Archives
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