If you read my profile, you know that I am not currently teaching. Instead, I have been running a consulting firm for the past six years. Oh sure, I have done some teaching inside these past six years, but the bulk of my time has been spent with clients through my consulting practice (www.finishedbyfive.ca/services.html).
A very dear and wonderful friend recently advised me of two teaching positions that opened up at her high school. One is for a grade nine generalist and the other is for a grade ten humanities position. It has been a long time since I have stood before a group of adolescents. I am not so sure how I feel about the idea of being a teacher again. To tell the honest truth, my first reaction is gut-wrenching pain. And fear. Lots and lots of fear.
I am not really prepared to give up the free time I currently enjoy as a consultant. I know going back to the classroom means I can say goodbye to my evenings and weekends as they will be consumed with marking and planning. I know that I will receive a lot of complaints from my family members as they adjust to my absence. It will be a huge adjustment for all of us, really. On the flip side, I know there will be some really wonderful benefits.
Teaching presents an opportunity to make a difference in our education system. Working with tomorrow's leaders offers me the chance to instill a strong sense of work ethic and to understand what the real world is really like. School, after all, is a completely artificial setting. What happens in school does not reflect what happens outside of those bubble-like walls. The opportunity to work with young people again - to teach them about life outside of school, is appealing.
I would really like to hear from you. What do you have to say to a teacher facing the opportunity to get back into the classroom? To teach or not to teach, what do you recommend? It would be great to hear from both sides of the argument in this one!
I look forward to your comments,
Deanna
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