I am a school teacher and I teach 8,9, and 10 year olds for 180 school days a year. I love the children. In the fall I get to know a whole set of new children. Their personalities are as unique as the seashells that are strewn across our beach; each with their own shining characteristics and flaws that make you love them even more. I will miss the students I had this year. They all have BIG personalities. There is hope for the future in this generation of children. Sometimes, it can be difficult to understand their place in this future...but then I recall what someone once told me: "We are educating children for careers that haven't been invented yet." They are ready for it. They will meet those challenges head-on. I know this because, although they are unique individuals, they are also a unique group of children. Our future leaders!
That being said, they have challenged me to work to MY full potential as an educator. It has been a fulfilling year, but now...I am ready for sacred summer. I will use this time to rejuvenate for next year's new group of students. I am looking forward to sifting through the sand with my hands to find the unique shells while I soak up the sun. Yay...SUMMER!
