Teachers who want to be in the classroom have been pitted against those who elect to continue distance learning. Politics has reared its ugly head and divided the world of education.
So how do you find joy in the classroom again? Simple. Find joy in the kids.
You teach because you love children. You love teaching children. You love the ups and downs. The tears and the laughter. You love the 'lightbulb' moments. Hold on to that. Hold on to the things that put a smile on your face, a spring in your step, and make your heart do a little flip.
Teaching isn't a walk in the park. Some days it's more like walking on the wild side. You might find yourself saying, "Don't lick the desk." Or one of my favorites, "That's a glue stick, not lip chap." Or maybe you have to remind little hands to keep to themselves. I'm sure you'll have to ask voices to take it down a decibel or two. You'll have to match wits with sarcastic middle school hormone infused bodies and listen to the worldly wisdom of teenagers, who are sure that you're too old to remember much of anything.
It isn't for everyone. You didn't choose to become a teacher. Becoming a teacher choose you. It's a profession of the heart (as all professions should be).
So let your heart be full of all that is still right. Of all the precious memories and of all the memories that you will still make. Take a breath. Count to ten while you count your blessings. Hold on to all that brings you joy in the classroom.
(For more of Kim Frencken's writing, check out her blog, Chocolate for the Teacher.)
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