Reflection

     I experienced a dream the other night which caused me to awake in the middle-of-the-night.  It was a teaching situation where I was having trouble with a discipline matter, with a student who was choosing to disrespect the classroom teaching dynamics of the lesson.  The situation escalated to the point where the student gestured me with the middle finger and walked away, all the while looking at me, testing my next move, as if to say: ‘What are you going to do about it”?

     This dream reminds me about my 30 plus years teaching high school age students.  I did have some situations throughout my career, that tested me and challenged me.  But, as I think about it, I consider myself very fortunate to not really have very many discipline problems.  There were some tense moments, even with parent conversations, or parent meetings.  I suppose one should remember that over a number of years in dealing with so many people, you are bound to have some challenging moments - right?

     But, as I compare myself to witnessing and hearing my colleagues share descriptions of stories in dealing with a number of students and parents, and even colleagues, I consider myself very fortunate.  Perhaps, most of the students I worked with selected the music course; they were not expected to take music.  Most of the students wanted to be there. This eliminated many potential problems.

     Certainly, I have experienced a lot of change in education.  In the early years of my career, teachers had a bit more flexibility and support.  Now-a-days, one must be accountable for everything.  The climate is different, and full of anxiety, pressure, and stress.  We lack trust and we doubt so much.  In the latter years of my career, teachers had to be careful about arranging a field trip or excursion; about word selection in class; and be ready to modify and adjust your approach to accommodate the needs of every individual.  There was more pressure on the teacher in the latter years of my career when compared to my early years teaching.  When I think about the uncertainty that exists now because of Covid - wow, I really do not miss teaching.  So much of the magic took place in the classroom environment.  Remote teaching experience cannot replace the energy that is created in the classroom.  I admire teachers today who have so much to deal with, especially during these uncertain times.