No one ever gets into teaching for the pay. Those that teach also know you don't get into teaching because it's easy or because you have great hours. The reason that I haven't posted in 6 weeks is because the overwhelming amount of work that has taken a toll on all aspects of my life. Aside from the lesson planning and grading that consumes most evenings and weekends, it is a directive at the place I work to create individualized plans for students that are at-risk. Being at a Title I school I have many at-risk kids. I've had to create plans and have individual meetings with no less than 14 students. My friends rarely see me, my girlfriend has had serious questions about our relationship, and my usually strong immune system succumbed to pneumonia a few weeks ago. I've spent time in finance, in sales, and on active duty in the United States Marine Corps, and this has been the hardest I've ever worked. It's not even close.
Sounds awful, right? Who in their right mind would get into teaching? What intelligent person who begins teaching would continue this career? The attrition rate of teachers that show the greatest potential is a topic for an entirely different post - or perhaps even an entirely different website or media source. In reality, good teachers - like any good professional - love their jobs. I am far from being a great teacher, and far from having the tenure necessary to even be mentioned in the same breath as most of my colleagues. However, I can appreciate the little things that keep good teachers going for 10, 20, and 30+ years. A few weeks ago, one of my students wrote this letter to me:
Dear Mr. Lin
Did you know that you are the best math teacher ever. In my old school I didn't like my teacher at all. I always hated math. But when I came here at forth grad (grade) it was great. But when I went to your class I super duper liked it! Your (you're) way better then (than) my old school math teacher. I cannot ask for a better math teacher that you my pall (pal) Mr. Lin.
From A**** S*****
In the middle of a tumultuous time in my personal like, a 10 year old serves up the best encouragement I could have asked for.
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