Courage

There is a Mary Engelbreit illustration that has great meaning for me. It is a picture of a teacher in her classroom. The room is obviously ready for the first day of school. Above the clock is a single word-- "Courage".

It takes a great amount of courage for a person to become a teacher. I still remember challenges I faced both as an elementary education major in college and as a student teacher. Having subsequently worked with many student teachers, I know that becoming a teacher is increasingly more difficult.

Then once a person obtains a teaching position, there are countless situations that call for great courage. Being in charge of a class is only part of the scenario. There are always dialogues with administrators, school board members, and fellow teachers. But some of the most difficult involve interactions with parents. It is challenging to tell parents things about their child that may not wish to hear.

At the end of one's teaching career, it takes great courage to make the decision to leave teaching. Cleaning out a classroom is not a simple spring housekeeping task. It is seeing your entire life as a teacher pass before you. The notes, photos, mementos, lesson plans, books, and all the teaching materials are full of memories. It is important to know what to keep for happy reminiscing in the next stage of life!