Thoughts from Student Teaching

I'm sure this post will sound different than the previous ones.  In fact, it's the first one that I have written instead of Cassy.  I'm not exactly sure where to start or what to write about.  I guess thats one of the benefits of writing on a blog, you don't have any rules about what you have to say.  Well, here goes.

I think that teaching in any form is a mixture of positive and negative emotions, sometimes experienced simultaneously.  I have been able to experience this first-hand as a student teacher.  There is the stress of a parent demanding a grade change for their child and the elation of seeing a student achieve more than you thought they could.  There is disappointment  when students refuse to do their work, and the joy of seeing a student finally make the connection they have been missing.  There is the stress of working with teachers who are in a bad mood and the joy of making friendships with colleagues.  There is the pain of seeing students make mistakes and the joy of being able to share in their successes.

One of the hardest things I have had to deal with is hearing about students who have made some mistakes and gotten pregnant.  All too often, the choices that follow center around abortion or raising the baby themselves.  Adoption is rarely considered.  While I do not know the exact situations for individuals, I can't help but feel this would be an option that should at least be considered.  It's hard to see a child being born into a single parent home when the parent is barely old enough to have a driver's license.  I know there are couples that struggle with having their own children and would willingly open their family to a new child.  We are one of them.

At the same time, I have the great joy of being able to share in the accomplishments of my students.  We returned last night from a regional drama competition.  It was great to see the students succeed at what they have been working on for months.  Even though I am not a member of their family, I still get to share in their success.  I helped them get where they are and can be proud of their achievements.  I get to have a sneak peek at what it will be like to see our own children succeed.

John