Joys of Teaching

Educators often hear how lucky we are to have summers off. And of course, we are. Not waking up to an alarm, special afternoons with family, leisurely lunches with friends, and plenty of time to travel are some definite perks to teaching. Being an educator isn't about having the summers off, though. Maybe it's just me, or how much I actually enjoy my job, but I miss the hours of my days that are spent teaching and learning. In fact, I seek out opportunities in the summer for those experiences. This week my "fix" comes in the form of another summer day camp. Yes, it's hot outside. Yes, there are lot of other things that I could be doing with my time. No, of course it doesn't pay very well. Monetarily, anyway. Giving kids who are interested in particular topics the information they're dying for, planning for and allowing authentic learning experiences, and guiding students to better understand the world in which they live are only a few of the joys of teaching. The rewards that happy faces and eager students provide are immeasurable. We are also paid by witnessing understanding spread across a confused face. We are given the chance to expand a future generation's view of the world through discussion. A specific amount of money in the little white box on a check doesn't create the same pride, reward, and hope that making a difference in a child's life does. A joyful face, a tight hug, adoring eyes, or comments like "I love camp, I couldn't have imagined it any better!" are only a few of the many joys of teaching.