My wife is a seasoned, dedicated teacher of almost 20 years. She has won awards, consistently received praise from parents, and administration. Her evaluations are always at the highest level. She has nothing to prove…at school.
But, she has felt guilty about has she given enough attention to her own children. THIS IS because of the evolving accessibility and expectation to and of teachers these days.
When I was in school during the 70s and 80s, parents had to request a meeting with teachers or wait for parent teacher conferences. Now…through email, parents have more and more 24-access to teachers through emails, and many are pressured by administration to be responsive. Even if they don’t respond, once you get an email, it’s on your mind. This takes away from her home experience with her own children.
Teachers have more duties beyond the classroom than ever before…
They’re expected to be parents, analysts, administrators, coaches, trainers, babysitters both in the evenings and through the summer.
All this while remaining on the bottom of the pay scale in their school systems.
If they complain, they’re frowned upon…not fair!
Being a dedicated teacher should never mean putting your job before your own family…and should not be expected.
I just want everyone to remember that teachers are parents too. That space should be respected and protected.
Teaching is a ministry!
Romans 12:6-7(NKJV)
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching;
BE BLESSTIFIED!
BE BLESSTIFIED! 