As a result, we educators are running out of steam . . . and many of us are questioning why we put ourselves through this grief all the while being paid pennies.
A couple days ago, a colleague posted the following plea on the ACDA Facebook Group:
“Had a rough day today. Remind me why I do this . . . .”
One can almost feel this poor fellow’s exhaustion and frustration in those plaintive eleven words. It is heartbreaking, and agonizingly familiar.
Yet, there is hope, brought by those dear folks who replied to this aching plea, offering words of solidarity and support . . .
“I think it’s something in the air… I have heard more disasters today than at any time the past month.”
“For the kids. For the kids. For the kids.”
“You're not the only one. Lots of people have said the same thing. I rehearsed all day long and thought to myself, ‘I did some masterful teaching" (at times) and it felt like we made no forward progress at all.’ I know that all the things we hit on today will sink in and make a better product in the end (I hope).”
“For the "thank you for giving me a safe place to be" and the "thank you for helping me find my voice"
“Because you know you are part of saving lives and making our world a better place”
“You touched someone's life today, even if s/he didn't mention it! You brightened somebody's day, made someone smile!”
“This too shall pass . . . I cannot speak for you, but I do it for the lasting relationships, the honor of teaching creative thought, the hope of teaching responsibility for something/someone beyond oneself, and the opportunity to plant the enjoyment of pursuit of excellence. All may sound cliché, but I have many a letter/note from a former student that proves that ‘most’ days I succeed at what I do. Bad days just make the good days that much sweeter.”
“I'm a mom of a music Ed college student and I know how amazing you are just for doing what you do and what you have already done.”
“Because the days can be brutal and long, but the weeks, months, and years are short! The time will go by anyway…at least we get to spend ours making music, even if it means fielding some rubbish along the way. Here's to a better tomorrow!”
“Because . . . music!”
“Because you are passionate about your craft, you strive to make a positive impact on your students that you see each and every day. You produce amazing music that people love and adore. You take what is on the score and you make it brilliant and add many artistic elements of brilliance to it. You are outstanding!!”
“Passion, love, excitement and satisfaction of helping kids become culturally literate and discovering their love of music.”
“When you look into the eyes of a student who finally understand a concept you've been teaching. The Ah-Ha’ moment. That single second of recognition that you just made someone understand something and that someone who understood something is truly happy they understood it.”
“Because you make a big difference in the lives of many students over the long haul. Just remind yourself that this is the toughest part of the year as you go into the home stretch! Breathe and then smile!”
“Because there is at least one student who needs to be in your class because it's the only place they can truly be themselves.”
“Because of the days when they amaze you with how much of your artistry they have made their own. You, as are we all, are part of a continuum between your teachers, their teachers, your students, and their students. Stay in the chain.”
To the colleague who posted the plea in the first place, Hang in there, brother. We are all with you. And Bravo to those who shared words of encouragement.
Be strong, friends.
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