I think many of us think that we are not the same as everyone else; while many of us do possess many similarities - we are different, also, in so many respects.
I remember attending Teachers’ College and hearing so many of the students, throughout the year, share their frustrations and opinions about the this program as being: “ a total waste of their time.” It was the opposite for me. I enjoyed the experience, immensely. I often thought to myself: “What’s wrong with me?” It is strange to think that I may have been a part of a handful of people that valued the teaching program. Indeed, it was shared that the 2-week practice-teaching block was the only part that they agreed, offered any real value to the year. But everything-else, was not necessary.
Today, I think the teachers’ college program has been increased to two years.
Many friends, former colleagues and family members feel that since I left full time teaching, that I have entered the retirement part of my life-journey, and education for me and of me is done. When I speak to friends, family members, and former colleagues, (many, who have retired from teaching), they too believe the same thing: “you’re done with teaching; so, what are you doing?”
I continue to contribute to Music Education; I continue to learn and share my ideas. Yesterday evening, a teacher, who is a full time teacher in the profession, asked me to offer some tips to her as she prepares for an interview. So, I prepared a document and emailed her my thoughts. She responded: “Wow, even in retirement, you continue to stay current, relevant and contribute so much”.
I remember hearing many of my colleagues talk about retirement for many years. Even the younger teachers were looking forward to retiring. I simply could not believe it. I thought to myself: “am I strange; is there something wrong with me?” You are missing-out on so much! You are simply going through life instead of “growing-through-life”. Enjoy, celebrate this opportunity and responsibility that has been gifted to you!
When I departed full time teaching, I didn’t think that education was done and that I could do other things in life. Certainly, I am pleased that I shifted a bit in my artistic journey, and I do have more time to devote to that. I do dedicate more time to my family, and really do enjoy that part of my life as well. I think it’s great that many teachers do move on to do other things that they were hoping to do. But, I also think it’s important to be dedicated to the teaching profession, and to continue to contribute to it. So, I am different, and I am inspired to learn and stay current. Obviously, this does take time to do; but, I enjoy it. I can do my research at my own pace. It’s a healthy activity for the mind; it’s worthy and challenging. There is so much changing in education as in so many other areas of life. To be a successful teacher, especially today with Covid, one must work even more so with the technology and added stress.
Some retired teachers stayed in the profession by exploring supply-teaching. While others, just stopped. I remember the government defining a teacher as someone who is on duty: 365 days a year. I think that I have a lot to contribute, still; and, I intend to keep working in this rewarding field.
Music Alive has kept me connected to schools; the virtual performing I complete for schools has also kept me connected to education. This particular crisis is a terrible situation for all of us; but, it is also an opportunity to serve and contribute in different ways.
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