“Six years ago, I considered going back to school to get a cer- tificate in elementary education. I thought teaching would be a pretty sweet gig, with summers off to spend with my kids.
I got a job working as a substitute teacher in our district, with kids in grades K-8. Figured I should “test the waters” a bit. And boy, am I glad I did.
Because those waters are deep. And ROUGH. And you pretty much need to be an Olympic Swimmer to remain there. Which, I quickly realized, I am not.
I am patient. I am kind. I adore children. But I am NOT a superhero. And quite frankly, THAT is what it takes to be a teacher today.
It takes knowing exactly what to do when the “tough” kid walks into your classroom with tears in his eyes because his dog died last night.
It takes knowing exactly the right way to help a child who struggles desperately in math, without destroying their self-con- fidence.
It takes maintaining your composure when 27 children, at 27 reading levels, with 27 different personalities, are all vying for your attention at the same time.
It takes having a strong stomach, because you will be dealing with puke, and blood, and boogers (SO many boogers), and all kinds of other gross things.
It takes knowing how to discipline without causing embarrassment.
It takes being able to handle a constant level of noise that would make most people’s head spin.
It takes being able to handle your heart breaking when you see an innocent child hurting from a difficult family situation that you are powerless to change.
It takes being able to appear confident when you have no idea what the answer is.
It takes knowing exactly when and how to intervene when you see a child being ostracized by their peers.
It takes being able to maintain a straight face when a child says something inappropriate, but hilarious.
It takes nerves of steel when you hear that emergency alarm go off, knowing that you alone are responsible for the safety of these children.
It takes being able to go home with enough energy for your own kids after an exhausting day of wrangling a classroom full of other people’s kids.
It takes giving it your all, for the short time they are yours, knowing that what you say, what you do, and what you model, may have an impact on that child for the rest of their life.
Because I bet every single one of us can name our 2nd grade teacher.
And to this day, a few times a month, I stroll through the school entrance to sub a class or two, unburdened by lesson plans, test scores, and emails from parents.
I do my best to fill their shoes for a few hours. And I am humbled by the task.
