Welcome to the profession
Friday, July 8, 2011 at 06:25AM I received this e-mail from my daughter this week:
Just wanted to let you know that this morning I was offered the preschool job I've been pursuing. Feel free to pray for me, as I will be spending 15 hours a week with 3 year olds! :) Change is always a little nerve-wracking, but I met the assistant teacher I'd be working with, who seems really nice, and also I am being paired with a long-time teacher to help with lesson planning, etc. The 3 year old curriculum is storybook based, which is perfect for me, since I am (as [my son] Paul would say) "obsessed with reading." I am glad to have a position in a field I care about. Anyway, a new adventure awaits!
I could not be any prouder that this brilliant young woman (even by objective standards, not just through a father's eyes), who has the brains, personality and work-ethic to be a star in any profession, has chosen to work in education.
And at a time when the profession, it seems, has never been under greater attack - at least politically.
Coming from a career in non-profit work - public radio, children's museums, humane societies, and, oh, motherhood, Carrie knows value in one's life comes not from public accolades and big paychecks, but from going to sleep each night knowing one has done good in the world.
As a pre-school teacher, this validation will continue. Not from the press, not from legislators, not from even from society,.
But it will come. From those who understand how important education is and that a child's first experience with formal schooling will shape his attitude for the rest of his life. From parents who recognize how a child's self-image and confidence will hinge on what that teacher makes the child believe about herself. And of course from gubby fingers gripping the hem of a skirt, of tearful eyes seeking comfort, and of gratitude for acceptance when no other place may offer it. And from those too few vocalzed statements of thanks.
Carrie, you will need to have great faith in this endeavor and in yourself.. Your efforts may not show for many years. You will probably never learn of your greatest successes. But know you are making a difference in individual lives. And that means making a difference in the world.
Welcome to the profession of teaching.
Reader Comments (2)
I can't believe there are no posts! I am hoping the reason is that most of your readers are on summer vacation - I have been working a summer camp for the past three weeks and just now have a free evening.
Please pass om my congratulations to your daughter (for whatever it is worth). I appreciate your comment about going to sleep each night knowing one has done good in the world. Seeing the kids in my camp run up the hill eager to learn the next step in game design makes the long hours worth it...most of the time.
Thanks, Kenn. I never expect much reaction to these rather self-indulgent, personal posts. But I appreciate your thoughtfulness.
Doug