The part that hurts- the teacher bashing. You see, I didn't become a teacher for the paycheck- not to say that it's not okay but I can't imagine trying to raise a family (especially with family insurance costs) on the amount a teacher brings home (if it's the only salary). I spend LOTS of money per month out of my own paycheck (which I can't claim because I don't itemize- oh and that teacher tax break- doesn't count if you are PreK) to provide books, manipulatives, and learning opportunities for my students (again, not that I don't receive help in that area). The teacher bashing comes from all areas- parents, students, local education leaders, federal education leaders and the worst of all- other teachers. Bottom line- no matter where I teach, what I teach, or whom I teach- we all have the same job day in and day out- to go to work, to teach our students to the best of our abilities, pray for those kiddos, and trust that the process will work. When I got into teaching- I was gung ho- I loved to share what I was learning, ideas, thoughts, and daily "drivel" with other teachers and loved gleaning from their expertise. However, all the changes has led to even more changes- hard ones- teachers have to have that ace up the sleeve all the time- which then in turn leads to petty disagreements and an unwillingness to share. The spirit of teaching has changed and that breaks my heart. I know that things are not always easy (as evidenced by my Alexander day(s) and the many tears cried over heartache) but that doesn't mean my passion is gone. So much pressure, so few resources, and so little time lead to an overwhelming burden...
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