What is teaching like today? Who should do it? And who shouldn't? This Education World series features essays on teaching by teachers as they answer the question, "If you had it to do all over again, would you still become a teacher?"
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I Love my Class Family!
I started teaching in 1969 and retired from teaching third grade in July 2006. I loved being a teacher, knowing that I made a difference in the lives of the students in my classes. Each year, former students would return and let me know what they had achieved so far and what their future held. Each of those children knew that when they were in my room, they were my top priority.
They knew they were safe, protected, respected, and cared for. They also knew that when they were in my room, no one could harm them or stop them from being the best they could be. They knew they belonged to something greater than themselves -- they were part of our class family.
My own son and daughter knew that their Mom had a very large family in her professional career. Just as I would tell my own children that they could count on me, my classroom family believed that I would take care of them as well.
In that environment, I could teach them anything. It was a 24/7 job, though, and it was not easy! As challenging as my work was, however, it has given me great rewards. I have attended the graduations, weddings, and baby christenings of my former students. My class families have made me proud, and I will always be thankful for what I have received from them.
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