Teaching

I love my job. Very few people can say that now days but in all honesty I love my job. Yes, there are days that get stressful and I want to quit but then I think there is nothing in the world I would love to do more than teach music. Not even being a performer would give me the joy I get everyday from seeing children learn something new.

Last week I had my second graders learn a song and then they had to go to the xylophones and find the repeated melody. It was amazing to see those kids working so hard to find the right notes and rhythms. The pure joy and excitement that was on their faces once they figured it out was priceless. It took some much longer than others and yet the result was still the same.

Pouring your life out into someone else everyday can wear on you. Unfortunately too many teachers have lost their passion for what they do. I know I am just a Rookie, I have only been teaching for 2 years now, but I believe with all my hear that passion is what gets me through every day. They say more than 50% of all new teachers leave the profession within the first 5 years. I don't blame them. There is so much stress that comes from dealing with students, parents, administrators, and laws that mandate what you can and can't do in your classroom. I have a great appreciation for classroom teachers and all of the extra things they have to do besides teaching their student. I would never want to be a regular classroom teacher myself.

Now you can't forget the wonderful breaks you get. You need them to recuperate from the craziness of everyday life. I am telling you it is a mighty long stretch from Labor day to Thanksgiving Break. Praise the Lord Thanksgiving Break has arrived. Time to rejuvenate and refocus on the task at hand. Changing the lives of young people.