And then, on the other hand...

[sechan19]

...I have students who give me little presents to say thanks for all the help I've given them. The girl in question worked really hard all term to master the subject matter (pushing herself tirelessly beyond an ESL handicap), and I think the improvement is really clear.

I can be proud of what I helped her to accomplish; and thus, teaching shows itself to be - like all things in this world - a double-edged sword.

Comments

[samsamsamantha.livejournal.com]

I should note that I'm only jaded towards those that cheap themselves. I really do love my job and the majority of my students. I actually like that they are all adults and that most of them really want to be there and really want to learn. I feel bad for those that I am not able to help (or more accurately: not able to help them get as far as they want/need to be)... but most of my students (who show up) find success and that's cool because it's normally in a subject that they have never felt successful in before. Many are very grateful, if not for helping them find their own success, than for at least really taking the time to care.

It's kind of odd. I work with a teach that would rather be feared than loved. (He used to work in a jail.) I'm a person that would rather be loved than feared... and at the same time, he has taught me alot about standing up for myself (i.e. not letting students walk all over me) and for enforcing the rules of the class. I'm not as much of a push over as I used to be.

I'm glad that you are getting the good side of it (especially when you still have to live with the bad.)

[reteva.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I'm like you - only jaded towards the kids who cheat themselves, who are lazy and scheming. The others are pretty much okay, and there's usually at least one (or two) who really make it worthwhile.

We really have to talk teaching when I come out this summer.

I miss you!