A lot.
I loved those kids so much. I still think about them. I wonder what they'll be like when they're my age, or when they have kids of their own. And I wonder what they think and feel and know, right now, when they're six or twelve or in between. I wonder if one is still having problems at home, or if one is actually REALLY trying now because he just has so much potential if he would just try. And I wonder how many teachers will throw their hands up in despair at him, or if they will see what I could see in him.
They poured their hearts out to me in that short school year. Trusted me with their deepest fears. And I helped them the best that I could.
I know I couldn't go back, not now. I could be a really great school teacher, but I don't agree with everything that goes on in public schools.
Hear me out for a minute.
I feel like there are some utterly fantastic teachers out there. I met some when I was teaching, and when I was in school.
But the school system itself, I can't let myself agree with.
I was able to get to know my students only because I broke the rules a little bit. I let them get creative, I let them speak their minds, and have disagreements with each other. I wanted them to learn how to discuss and think through things and decide things for themselves. And for that, I think they trusted me more, and learned more. I hope I was a good teacher for them, that some of them will remember something I taught them and it will do them good.
Gahhh, there's a lot I could say about this, but I'm getting off my soap box. Right now.
IN ESSENCE, I think teachers should be more like mentors in guiding children's learning as opposed to facts and worksheets and information.
I'm glad I don't have to decide what to do yet. I don't, after all, have kids. And maybe some of my opinions will change after I do have some of my own. In fact, they probably will.
Schooling, schooling, what to do.
What do you think about the schooling system?
