"Technology has made teaching far more interesting and exciting!" says
teacher Julie F. But she remembers one technological goof that was exciting
for her students but embarrassing for her.
"It was the year that I experimented with the very first sound-field system
at my school," she recalls. A sound-field system allows a teacher's voice
to be heard in surround-sound throughout the classroom. But she didn't realize
she could be heard even if she was outside the classroom.
"One day I needed to step out of the room for a brief bathroom break and
I neglected to hit the 'mute' button on the microphone," she says. "Upon my
return to the classroom, there was a sea of hysterical Grade 1 students who
exclaimed, 'We heard you go pee!'
"My only consolation is to think how this situation could have been even
worse."
She says teaching is a highly rewarding career. "I appreciate the amazing
things that a teaching career offers: a lot of laughter each day [and] the
opportunity to think deeply and express creativity while attempting to make
learning active, fun and meaningful to every student."
Seeing the light bulb go on when a student finally masters a tough concept
is what keeps Christina F. Kennison going.
"Nothing is better than when a student 'gets it 'after working hard," says
Kennison. She teaches in Buffalo, New York. "I am excited teaching when I
realize I'm making a difference in others' lives, contributing to their future,
and in a way to the populace's future too."
Kennison started out as a teacher's aide in a special needs classroom.
A disturbing incident she witnessed there inspired her to become a full-fledged
teacher. One of the students seemed to find it funny to harm students with
physical challenges - but when Kennison mentioned it to the classroom teacher,
she got the brushoff.
"She told me I didn't understand because I didn't have a teacher's education
and certification," remembers Kennison. "I have since earned my teaching degree
and still believe she should have done something.
"This teacher kept my passion to earn my degree burning, however. Whenever
difficult moments and hurdles appeared, I'd remember her and students harmed
by other students."
And there will always be difficult moments. "Teachers have a lot of paperwork
too and often don't receive much support from parents as their children grow
less engaged with learning," says Kennison. "Bureaucracy is another difficult
aspect about teaching. Nothing is simple or takes a short time."
Teacher Steve Adnam finds it tough seeing some of the sad things that go
on in his students' home lives. "Kids often are not allowed to be kids anymore,"
he says. "Also, I sometimes find parents to be hard. If there are issues at
school, teachers often get blamed for kids' behavior or poor grades."
"For me, the hardest part of the job is seeming to never have enough time
in the day," says Florida teacher Leasa Codner. "I imagine I could work straight
into the night at school and still not feel adequately prepared for the rigors
and expectations of the next day."
But she wouldn't give it up for anything. "I love seeing my little learners
shine when they master a difficult concept or skill," says Codner.
"They have so much potential in many areas. I work hard to find interesting
and engaging ways to help them grow and develop their talents. "The payoff
really comes on strong when a former student lets you know that your influence
and caring helped make them the success they are today," she adds.
"It is fascinating and rewarding to work with the minds of young children,"
says Julie F. "You are always learning something new. You will
always laugh out loud in the company of children. You will be one of their
most important role models in life. ."