Sunday, June 28, 2009

School and Home Life

Once again, it has been a while. Where do I start? First of all, I have a new job. I am a preschool teacher. Yeah! Finally! I get to use my knowledge and do what I was going to school for. I work for the Head Start program, and my official title is "Associate (substitute) teacher." The "substitute" part means "temporary," as one of the teachers let me know, but I do not feel like a temp. I feel needed and important. I feel recognized for what I do. I like the children I work with. Of course, there are stressful and unpleasant moments -just like anywhere - but generally, I feel so good that sometimes I wonder if it's true. Part of me is waiting for that other shoe to drop. I hope it never does.

The main difference between being a teacher and any other job out there is that every day there is something new, something to teach, something to learn. Every day I learn something new; every day, at least one child learns something new. It is never the same, or boring, or mundane. Also, at the end of the day, observing a child color a picture is more rewarding than recognizing that you have registered a $40,000 deposit for the company. It's not even your company, or your $40,000.

At home it's time for Summer Vacation - once again. No more school, no more homework. Sleepovers and sleeping in for my kids, less stress and more rest after work - for me. It's a win-win!

Of course, there are issues and problems, and there are doubts and worries... But, like the heroine from 'Gone with the Wind" said, " I will not think about it now. I'll think about it tomorrow!"