03/05/2021
This week has been heavvvy + just off. BUT! Because of this, I am being reminded over and over, WHY I became a teacher π€
I mean, before spring break each year, I generally find that everyone (teachers, students, parents) are just SO READY for a break. A breather. A rest.
This year, I'm finding that this has just been the overall feeling pretty much ALL THE TIME... And there are a few students (+ teachers) that are just cracking under all of the pressure right now. Too many things.
I'm so lucky that I have had the experience from previous students and mentor teachers in the past that have filled me up with strategies and answers that I can pull out of my back pocket when kids reach out for help.
Today one of my students was just in tears. Not knowing why, at first. We made a plan, and they spent the whole period with a pencil & paper to get everything out of their mind. A brain dump. They wrote two whole pages and drew many little pictures. The student chose not to show me, but instead we took the work to the paper shredder bin and let it all go. π€
I've seen more tears this week than one might expect, but also have had such good conversations and problem solving sessions with kids.
When I went to university, I almost went into psychology and counselling as a profession, but chose special education in the end (which I LOVE). Social emotional learning has such an important place in our classrooms! This is my WHY. If I could spend all day helping kids with their social & emotional challenges, sign me up!
The data & tracking & paperwork & fine print... Meh! I could go without π I know it is important though.
What is your WHY? Why do you love what you do?! β¬οΈπ€π₯