Excuse me teacher...but why?

Enjoying another day with the 7th formers.

Why do I have to ask to go sharpen my pencil?

If I have the correct answer, why can’t I just say it, and why do I need to raise my hand?

Why do we have to stand in a single file line to get our lunches?

I do my work and listen, why do I have an assigned seat next to the class trouble maker?

Why can’t I pass notes, it is better than talking in class?

I know where the gym is, why do I have to walk in a line with everyone to get there?

Why can’t I write in pen?

It is recess time why can’t we rough house?

Why can’t I snack in class?

These are questions that floated around my head as a student. I sometimes thought teachers enforced the dumbest rules, were all about control, old and outdated. As I stand in front of a class that I’m a decade older than, NOW I completely understand. I would argue teaching is one of the most challenging jobs. As a teacher one has to balance the crazy energy and emotions students bring to the classroom. Teachers try to guide each individual through personal learning obstacles while advancing the class as a whole.

Through teaching in my Peace Corps experience, I’m realizing on how large of an impact that teachers have on people’s lives. Teachers play a huge role in shaping every student who walks through their doors. We have the strict teachers to show us sometimes the rules won’t bend, so we shouldn’t expect them to. We have the goofy teacher who shows us that on some level we really never have to grow up. We have the encouraging teacher who makes every student feel like they are her favorite. We have the challenging teacher who sees our potential and pushes us. And if we are really lucky, we have a teacher who wears all these hats.

I’m closing in on finishing my third semester of teaching at my Ukrainian school (5th through 11th formers). I don’t think I have had the impact like so many of my teachers did on me, but something else special is happening. I realize that I’m not only teaching them, but they have taught me a few significant life lessons. Students will always point out when I have chalk on the back of my pants. Patience is one if not the most important qualities to possess. Small victories add up to big ones over time. Teachers enjoy holiday breaks as much if not more than students. No energy is wasted when helping a struggling student. Sometimes, I need to loosen up and just laugh. They might not remember all the correct grammar tenses, but they will remember how I made them feel. Roll with teaching moments even if they aren’t in my lesson plan. Leave personal problems at the door and come in with a good attitude. Simple praise for a student’s work can really motivate. Sometimes an entertaining game of Heads Up, 7 Up is needed.

I write this as I’m struggling to focus and, along with the students, I’m developing Summeritis and longing for the school year to wrap up quickly. I have my good lessons as well as not so good lessons, but hopefully they all balance out in the end. I hope that every teacher, TEFL in Peace Corps or normal school teacher back at home, on their not so good days remember why they do, what they do.

Kate

A special list of teachers who have shaped my life for the better, I thank you for your patience, kindness, encouragement, humor, support and showing up every day to get the job done.

Mrs. Mc Mellon, Mrs. Nalley, Mrs. Kennedy, Mrs. Hentchel, Mrs. Deyo, Mrs.Watts, Mr. Webb, Ms. Lane, Mrs. Griswold, Mrs. Boyle, Mr. Blew, Mrs. Kinney, Ms. Perry, Ms. Wente, Ms. Gribble, Mrs. Webb, Mrs. Harding, Mrs. Jennings, Mr. Mercer, Mrs. Patty, Ms. Frost, Mr. Flagg, Mr. Schmidt, Mrs. Heth, Mr. Grey, Ms. Singer, Mrs. Rickey and all other teachers and staff members who behinds the scenes support the students as well as their co-workers. God bless you all.

(To my English teachers, I apologize I still don’t like or use commas appropriately and hate proofreading. Maybe in my next life)