I am a teacher. And I am so much more.
I am a teacher. I
teach language, math, science, social studies, art, computers, physical
education, music, dance, theatre, and how to be positive human beings.
I spend my prep periods planning, I spend my commute
planning, I plan in the shower and while I brush my teeth, I plan while I’m
cooking, and yes, I even plan in my sleep.
And let me tell you, those are not my favourite kinds of dreams.
I plan a week in advance, and sometimes minutes or seconds in
advance.
And when I’m not planning, I use my
excessive amount of spare time marking and entering grades.
I know how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide. I can spell things correctly, most of the
time. I know my craft, and I teach it
well. I integrate different subjects
into units to make learning more fun. My
classroom is my second home.
But I am not JUST a teacher.
I am so much more.
I am a doctor. I
remind students to stay hydrated, I put bandaids on cuts, I make special paper
envelopes for teeth that fall out at school.
I know how to stop nose bleeds. I
remind kids to bring healthy snacks, but I also don’t mind when kids share
their chocolate or candy with me. I mend
broken feelings and help to patch up friendships. I know that a hug can make anyone feel
better, and that sometimes the best medicine for a hurting student is love,
laughter, and a genuine smile.
But I am not just a teacher or doctor. I am so much more.
I am a counselor. I
listen to my students’ problems no matter how trivial they may seem. I know about the death of their pet, I know
about their family troubles, I know about their crush on Enrique in class 3B, I
know their dreams, their fears, and their goals. I help them solve their own problems and
learn to be more positive human beings. Somehow
I am able to listen to Natalia’s story about her hamster, Alejandro’s tale of
his brother’s birthday party, and Mariana’s step by step account of his
weekend- all at the same time.
But I am not just a teacher, doctor, or counselor. I am so much more.
I am a magician. I
know what students are about to ask before they ask it. I magically never have to go to the bathroom
during class (because I have learned to control my bladder and I go during
breaks). I can make something from
nothing. I have the magical ability of
belief and faith in students, which can transform a their entire
self-perception and behavior.
“Abracadabra” has nothing on “I believe in you. You can do it.”
But I am not just a teacher, doctor, counselor, or
magician. I am so much more.
I am a fixer. I tape
up ripped books. I glue toys back
together. The stapler is one of my best
friends, along with duct tape. I pop
lenses back into glasses frames. I fix
broken zippers on backpacks, sweaters, and pencil cases. I am the master of untying knots.
I am the sun, water, soil, and air that allow my students to
grow. I am a friend when they need
one. I am a storyteller that transforms
the carpet space into another world. I
am the reason kids want to come to school.
I am a brave knight who gets rid of spiders, cockroaches, beetles, giant
moths, squirrels, possums, and iguanas in the classroom. I am the Lorax and I speak for the trees- I
teach the new generations to take care of the environment.
I am a teacher. And I
am so much more.
