the makings of a teacher philosophy

If y'all read Sup Teach? you know that I'm going through a bit of a 3/4 job crisis. Why am I in such a high risk job? Well...in an attempt to draft my future philosophy of teaching I want to share some thoughts.

Why are youth important to me?

• As cheesy and idealist as this sounds...youth give me hope.

Why is education important to me?

• Children do not choose the circumstances under which they were born. For better or worse kids inherit the cards their parents were dealt. Each child deserves the opportunity to succeed regardless of the successes or failures of their parents. A proper education can lead students to success.
  

Why are teachers important?

• It's not hard to become a teacher, but it is a tortuous road to become a great teacher
• A great teacher will inspire and challenge a student in a way he/she never thought possible

What do I like about teaching?

• It's a dynamic role that requires me to put in 110% of my mind and heart every day
• It's a challenge worth taking on
  

guilty as charged

For lack of a convincing euphemism, I am a workaholic. And, I am guilty of letting what is dearest to me take the back burner: my closest relationships.

Contrary to popular belief I can pick up the phone for 5 minutes to catch up with my parents, kuyas, nephews, aunts, uncles, housepets, and homies. I am perfectly capable of doing it but I haven't. And, I apologize for being MIA.

From now on I'll take advantage of cell to cell (who's got AT&T?) and rollover minutes. So...got a minute to talk?

rest, reflection, and reorganization

(I'm a sucker for alliterations)

rest
I don't get enough. During the week I take the time to do what I need to do: plan, grade, plan, plan, and plan. Usually this results in late nights, early mornings, and exhausting work days. I know I need to pause and rest. How can I take care of my students if I don't take care of myself? It's time to start a more sustainable routine. (Thank God for the snow day and sledding in Central Park!)

reflection
Keeping a journal is one of the few things I do for myself. Sadly, I'm seven months into my latest journal and haven't made a dent! The less I write, the more I internalize. I need to make a more conscious effort to save room for me.

reorganization
Confession: I was in a rut. I don't know how it happened, but it snuck up on me. Thank God for mid-winter break. My random week off last month (HOLY MOLY it's already March) was really refreshing. This Lenten season my hope is to make better choices to keep a sound body and a sound mind.