As educators, we all notice what everybody else is getting away with - right? Let's be honest, most educators complain about the same few things: the administration does not support enough; why are we allowing these students to get away with their disrespectful behavior; too many unfair expectations placed upon me, I have enough work to do; etc.
I look upon many of my colleagues, past and current, and notice that many appear to be sad and not fully enjoying what they are doing as responsible teachers. Take for example, PA days. I cannot fully understand why so many of my colleagues dislike PA days.
I have been so fortunate to be a music educator. The power of music to bring people together, to shape sound and to be creative daily is a remarkable opportunity! I am rarely bored! I used to think it was the same for all my colleagues - it's not. I think that athletic coaches enjoy school as much as I do. I think coaches appreciate the opportunity - give of their time willingly, but coaching lasts about 2-3 months, at most. For me, music begins at the beginning of the year and ends on June 30th.
Take my most recent semester: September to November (Esprit Project); November to December (The Christmas show: Bah Humbug), where I was rehearsing on two saturdays! Just last week, completed our Christmas Music Concerts. To say I have been busy is an understatement; but, while it's been challenging, it's also been very rewarding. The students appreciate my efforts as well - you just can tell. I think I have been very fortunate indeed that I am a music educator, now in my 33rd year of teaching. I think I would have been bored if I was a math teacher, or a science teacher or English teacher. How do I know? I think it's because I hear so many of my colleagues complain about this and that, year after year, after year. I think it's that special power of music, the spirit of music-making that makes teaching so special that one continues to want to experience more and more, without complaining.
No comments:
Post a Comment