The Heartbreak and Reward of Teaching

Today I didn't have any students but was meeting with parents for conferences and was reminded about the heartbreak and rewards that come with this job. All of the parent's made me feel like what I do is important and that my time was valuable. I shared laughs and fun stories with all of them. We talked realistically about their child's academic and social struggles, we came up with solutions together and took a few moments to know each other as people. I know a lot of teachers struggle to enjoy the parents, but I really and truly do. I enjoy meeting them, talking with them, getting to know them and connecting with them as people. Some parents have infuriated me in the past for a variety of reasons but overall, I absolutely adore meeting them. In fact, I would say it is a reward of the job nine times out of ten.
But the heartbreak comes when you find out what some of your students have suffered in their little lives. Today, one of my parents shared with me what the child in their care has been through. It broke my heart but I felt so honoured and blessed that this parent would share with me so that I could better understand the child and their needs.
I've never done this job for the money... it has always been about the heartbreak and the rewards. I believe we are called to be broken for someone or something and I am broken for the children. I believe that my purpose in life is to love the unloved through teaching and working with kids. And it is a blessing to receive the rewards of their smiles, hugs, learning, respect etc. I love what I do and today I was reminded why.

November 11

In Canada, November 11th is called Remembrance Day. It is the day that most Canadians don a red poppy and take a moment of silence to remember our service members and the losses our entire country has suffered over our history. Not being at home is always hard for me on days like this as I do value the service members greatly. So instead of wearing a poppy (which I can't find anywhere here), I am putting this post up in hopes that others will see it, take a moment and remember. Thank you Canadian Service Members... you are the backbone on which our freedom is carried!

The Shack

I just finished reading this book and it rocked my socks. I know it is just a piece of fiction but it really spoke to my heart and I hope that others will take the time to read it and open themselves to what is really behind the moving story.

check it out at:

www.theshackbook.com

Boo!

Okay, I like Halloween, but not quite as much as people here do. Have you heard of "booing" someone? Well I guess it's the thing to do and I kinda like it. Apparently, you make a basket of treats and there is a little cute poem (I am sure you could find it online with www.google.com). You also need to include a ghost sticker, picture or something for the person to post on their door after they've been booed. So once you have 2 of these baskets together, you anonymously deliver them to two people in your neighbourhood. Each recipient needs to then make two baskets of their own and give those away. Once you have been booed, you put the ghost picture in your window or door-way. Then you can't be booed again, or so the rules go. Neat, right? I love the concept... makes Halloween more about treating your neighbours and having fun. Apparently the booing begins at the beginning of October and runs until Halloween itself. Love it!

SOL

Now, I don't know about you but when I see those three letters strung together, there is only one thing that pops in my mind... Shit Outta Luck. But that isn't what they stand for here in Virginia. They actually have educational meaning! Go figure. Here they stand of Standards Of Learning. And they are the prescribed learning outcomes for the state. There are many and they are long and often ambiguous... so I feel SOL sometimes in reaching them with some of my students, but there you have it... SOL... a whole new acronym!

Chesapeake Bay Bridge

Okay... apparently this bridge is a world wonder. It is over 17 miles long in each direction and has 4 man-made islands. It also has a heap of tunnels too. The pictures show you it all, but it doesn't tell you about the yummy in my tummy fried shrimp we ate at the first island, does it?! No! hahaha Jealous? Well, get on out here!

Harbour Cruise

See, I really was there. It was chilly and windy but it was worth it! Tons of fun! I recommend it to anyone out this way ever. Hope you enjoyed the pics. No real need for explanations.