I am first and foremost an educator. I am a licensed computer teacher for almost 16 years. I used to be an elementary and high school computer teacher but currently I am a computer trainer for Overseas Filipino Workers and their dependents. I usually bump and chance upon my former students and trainees wherever I go. My students and I would have a small chitchat and I would listen to their life stories and their career successes.
It makes me smile knowing that I was a part of that success. Just observing their facial expressions about how proud they are of what they have accomplished gives me a sense of happiness. All the more if they are famous and recognized in what they do. I am even more happier when I find out they've achieved more and excelled even more.
Together with my high school students years ago
The life of a teacher is a challenging one. I used to wake up every morning worried about how to convey my lessons in a way that the students could understand easily. It is always a trial and error because I would encounter a class who is composed of above average grade students and below average grade group of learners. Sometimes even a mixed class. Yes we do have lesson plans but most of the time, the procedure isn't followed to a tee. I mostly play it by ear as long as they have learned the lesson for the day.
I also have to make sure that I get their attention as well during lectures. A couple of frowns is already alarming. For me teaching is a two-way street, the teacher and learner respond to each other. Furthermore, I have to be in the know of the latest trends: whether in entertainment, fashion and lingo. I need to look cool and not appear that I'm trying too hard. Because I would definitely look like a fool.
The minds of these students are molded under the teacher's hands, and it is such a big responsibility to hold. I sometimes feel disappointed because time is not enough and circumstances fail us to do so. There are moments of regret but there are countless victories. The glee I feel whenever a struggling student can pass or ace a test even once is such a wonderful feeling.
I always have this philosopy whenever I teach, I usually tell my students:
"I do not expect you to learn everything, but I expect you to learn SOMETHING even just a bit that would help you through life to achieve the success you've always wanted."
This is me with a trainee as I hand out the certificate of completion.
Teaching wouldn't make me a billionaire, but nothing beats a compliment that would touch your heart for life if a student tells you this:
"Ma'am, thank you for being my teacher, if not for you and my other teachers, I wouldn't be who and where I am today."
I would then happily respond, "No, thank you as well because you're the evidence of who I am and should be as a person, one who can make a difference in someone's life."
It will always be a two-way street. We exist because of each other and I could never be prouder to see a student who is able to do well because I was a part of his or her journey to fulfill their dreams.
My former co teachers and I
(image courtesy of Armand Ansaldo)
A big shoutout and salute to all teachers who work hard so students can learn! Your hearts are gold!
I am an educater myself and I know this feeling. It's priceless. :)
Cheers! 😊
Upvoted and I'm following you. I can certainly appreciate and even relate to the satisfactory feeling of making a profound difference in another's life. As a physical therapist, i get to enjoy similar feelings of satisfaction. It resonated with me when you wrote words to the effect waking up in the morning hoping you can make your content understandable etc. I too worry and concern myself with my patients outcomes. Every patient (just like every student in your case) deserves a different to learning and if one method isn't working you gotta figure out something different.
I wish you the best, your dedication is commendable! 😊
Really important work you do! I know I have a lot of teachers to thank for being where I am today. Great to have you here on Steemit and keep up the great work :)
Thank you, I'm sure your teachers would be proud. 😊
OMG we even have teachers here, nice. your knowledge as a teacher could bring you a lot, so much potential , I wish you the best in our steem community
Thank you, ready to help here whenever needed. ☺
That sounds fun - running into your students, having a little chat, and hearing their life stories.
Did you ever ask them if they are still enjoying computers?
P.S. It's nice you feel that teaching is a two-way street - that you watch for a response fm those you're instructing
Yes, with the internet generation of today, what I taught them became so handy. I don't want to monopolize the classroom, I want it to be interactive, it's so much fun that way and very engaging. 😊
Thanks for sharing your story. It is important to give back.
You're welcome and thank you for reading! 😊
Pretty good words
Thank you! 😊
I am also a teacher, and I have also taught in high schools for 16 years. I know I am effective and have changed so many lives. Yet I have this feeling that I am wasting my time as I am not paid much and teaching ultimately leads no where. I know I seem selfish, but I am being honest. Do you share any of these feelings?
Sometimes I do but you can't change the system, so I found other ways to augment my income. I still like to teach but I have a business on the side so I'm not just focusing on how I make on it alone.
That is absolutely true. I too feel fetter when I am making a side income. I often teach the trainee teachers that having a booming business on the side will make them a better teacher because they are not relying on it.
Have you checked out my other posts? I think you will like this one. Follow me perhaps if you like it.
Are kids now less intelligent than those of the past?