Well, I made it through! This day that was so daunting to me just 24 hours ago proved to be one of the most satisfying days I’ve had in a long time. I taught three classes of Juniors today, which means kids between the ages of 6 and 10 I think, though some seem to be older.
The first class was a challenge – as it was beginners (both teacher and students) – and I was quiet literally sweating by the end of it. The second got a little easier, as I got more comfortable and the students got more advanced. This evening’s class was, hands down, the most fun I’ve had since I’ve been at this whole thing. It was simply splendid.
(More importantly, I didn’t get booed out of the classroom or have erasers thrown at me. Not even a blank stare. These were the real phobias.)
Here’s the thing – I can see how teaching would be a huge headache if you have too many students, too few resources, or unmotivated students. I know many teachers who have faced all of these problems at once and still kept at it, and I simply don’t understand.
We’re super lucky though. We teachers at this school are absolutely swimming in fabulous resources, and we’re surrounded by people who have done this for years and done it well. And even though the students are all kids, many of whom I’m sure are there of their parents’ volition and not their own, they know exactly why they’re there, and desperately want to learn this language as well and as fast as they can. Could a teacher ask for more?
(Side note: I also love the level of sheer dorkiness I’ve seen in many of the students so far, and I’m talking physical dorkiness. Big thick glasses, pants up around the waste. Think Steve Erckle. It. is. FABULOUS. And I’m really not making fun, it makes me so very happy.)
At 7:00 this evening, as my last class ended, I really just wanted to squeal with glee. It was weird. As I went back to the teachers’ room and then walked home, I tried to figure out why I felt so durn good. I think it’s simply this: I can see exactly why people do this, and I know why I’m doing it. I get it – the motivation and the desire and the energy – I can see where it’s coming from and it’s all headed in the same direction. Though I loved many things about my last job, I never felt like our motivations or even our goals were this aligned. I think it’s just that simple.
Tomorrow’s another day – all the same classes I had today. (Also, if all goes according to plan, I’m moving and potentially purchasing a motorbike on Monday, at which point I will have completed all the major tasks required to feel a little more settled . . . fingers crossed thumbs held!)
