Gabrielle Winters | Learning Engineer

It has been some time since my last post. In that time I have been researching many ways to engage and interest students, as well as methods of being the best educator I can be. I have researched many ways of staying organized, as well as the many tasks I will be completing in my day to day life as an educator. This is where I realized how I am about to enter an entirely new era of my life. This past month has been a rollercoaster of emotions. Between finishing my last semester of under-grad classes and  preparing for my final internship, and saying goodbye to friends and a home that many memories were created within, I have had little time until now to realize just how utterly terrified I am to begin my first semester as a true educator. I am realizing more and more how difficult it is to decide and keep track of all the minute details of running a classroom that contains many different stupids with an incredible variety of needs, interests, and skill sets. Thinking of all of the routines I will need to create such as sharpening pencils, handing out papers, taking notes, and holding discussions has made me truly appreciate the minds and lives of educators everywhere. Teaching is an incredibly difficult and stressful job. People do not realize that educators must have a plan for every single action, interaction, and situation that takes place within the classroom. It is like planning for the weather by building an ark for animals you have no idea of what size and amount will be housed within. But even harder. At least Noah had God’s detailed instructions, while educators must make every plan down to the smallest detail all while managing the classroom, imparting knowledge, learning, and wisdom while also being fun, charismatic, engaging, and organized. That sounds like quite the feat, yeah? That’s not even the half of it.

Everyone, take a moment to think of and even thank your favorite teacher. Now go thank the worst teacher you ever had and tell them you’re sorry they had such a rough time.

Kids are evil. School is hard. But, man, do we love our babies. You cannot even begin to fathom just how difficult it is to be a great teacher. At least not until you study to be one, and even then it doesn’t sink in until you’re trying to prepare to run a classroom on your own.

Basically, what I’m trying to say here is stop hating on teachers for not doing things as you think they should be done. Teaching is HARD. You couldn’t do it or you would be. Teachers are doing their absolute best. Most of them anyway. Give them some grace, tell them you appreciate how hard they work for you/your kids, love on them a bit, buy them some pencils.

Also, STOP USING THE RIDICULOUS SAYING, “those who can, do, and those who can’t, teach.” That’s the crappiest thing I’ve ever heard, and if I EVER hear anyone say it in my presence, I’m not responsible for the lesson I’ll teach you.

Be kind, hug a teacher.