The Good, the Bad and the Paycheque

On a fine day, I walked into a classroom to relieve the teacher for a meeting. As soon as I walked in, a few students shouted out with glee, "YAY! We get the good one!" Once the teacher left the room, I asked them what they meant by "the good one"?! 

Couple of students proceeded to distinguish between good and bad supply teachers. One enlightened me by stating that there are actually 3 categories - the good, the bad and those that are there for their paycheques! Apparently, one supply teacher candidly told them that he is only there for his paycheque! It was one of those sad and amazing moments - sad that a teacher would say that and amazing that students actually listened and remembered what was said!

I have been making observations as a teacher, but I am also actively listening to students and it has allowed me to look at the big picture from more than one perspective.

And this is what I have - there are terrible students and terrible teachers. However, there are awesome students and incredible teachers. And there is a spectrum of them in between these extremes.

As of today, I have worked 24 days and logged in 19 full supply teaching days. Within a short period of time, I have had 3 teachers text me or call me, and request me to supply teach for them. These are teachers I have never worked with! I have had a teacher walk into a classroom I was in and quite literally demand that I supply teach for him that afternoon. He made it happen! And I taught in his Grade 1 French Immersion classroom. It was a wonderfully validating moment!

In this short period of time, I also realized that teaching does not look at ages or appearances of a teacher and it most definitely does not care for gender or race! Teaching is all about being there 100% - mentally and physically. Emotions can get in the way, but it is good to keep them positive.

While I am being all illuminating here, I would also like to confess that I still do not enjoy going to that one particular school, and yet, I have consciously gone back by my own choice recently and would continue to do so. If I can overcome how I feel about this school, I may truly be on my way to becoming a good teacher.

 

Noteworthy Remarks: I have wanted to be a teacher ever since I was a little girl. In a way, this is a dream come true. However, I have had good days and bad days in a very short amount of time. There have been moments I questioned this line of work I chose for myself. But then there is nothing else I want to do more than teach!

I hope the boys find something to do for the rest of their lives that gives them a sense of self and satisfaction which is not solely dependent on a paycheque!