Arrivals and Dismissals

This job is like a roller-coaster.

Highest highs.

Lowest lows.

“Balance” is not exactly the word I would use to describe the teaching profession.

This year in particular, I have contemplated my career choice many times, wondering if it was the right move to make. I told myself that I would exit the profession before I let a jaded mentality affect my students.

Let’s be clear real quick.

I’m far from jaded.

I still hold high expectations for my students. And I still have that youthful optimism that drove me to pursue teaching in the first place.

However, there have been some pretty challenging weeks that have made me think about whether this was a career I could see myself doing forever.

Teaching is a demanding job.

Anyone who says teachers have it easy need to set foot in a classroom. Do it for an hour. One hour. And your view may be slightly altered.

I have definitely questioned whether I have the stamina to do this for the rest of my life.

Maybe I do. Maybe I don’t.

Who knows what the future will hold?

What I do know is what has kept me here. And what keeps me here. Day after day. Week after week. Year after year.

Arrivals and dismissals.

It is during these two pivotal moments that I’m reminded why I do what I do.

During these moments, I am not thinking of grade-level standards or IEP goals. I’m not worried about tracking service minutes or finalizing lesson plans.

Instead, I step outside my office and I am greeted by parents. I walk down the hallways and get the tightest, most affectionate hugs from my little ones. I see toddlers chasing after their older brothers and sisters who are walking into their classrooms. I see older siblings walking their younger brothers and sisters to class before they head off to the middle school. I stop and chat with parents about soccer games, birthday parties, and family events.