The Best Parts of Being a Teacher

School teachers have it rough!!
They are overworked!!
Dealing with things outside of working hours...

Well, it's a profession that gets a lot of criticism, but
I'd like to talk about the best parts of being an elementary school teacher from my perspective.

The thing I think is the best

The thing I think is the best about being an elementary school teacher is
【the moments when children move me】.

Those moments are,

• When a child who is usually a handful has a breakthrough

• The sight of a child completely absorbed in something they couldn't do before, now that they can

• The sight of children rejoicing when they have created something together

• A reflection notebook that they worked hard to finish even during break time,
  with slightly messy writing
  

• The sight of them trying their best even though they can't do it yet

• When they show a surprising side, saying "Wow! That's amazing!"

• The success of the children when I am not around

• When I have continued to cherish and convey something, and my feelings finally get through

I think this is the only job where you can see so many unique children all at once.

After all, on weekdays, they spend more time at school than they do at home.

The inspiration lasts a lifetime

That said,

・Things that make me angry
・Things that make me want to quit
・Difficult things
・Being scolded

Honestly, there are all sorts of unpleasant things.

But more than that,

the inspiration I mentioned earlier is unique to children and unique to teachers, and it is incredibly valuable.
Even if I quit being a teacher, I don't think I will ever forget this inspiration.

That is how much it moved my heart.

The inspiration I get from the children in front of me lasts a lifetime.

Moreover, this inspiration becomes my own energy as well.
It gives me the strength to think, "Well, I can't help it," and keep moving forward.

To those aiming to become teachers

Every job has its hardships, but for those who took the employment exam thinking,

“I love children” or “I love teaching,”

and for those who will become teachers this spring.

It is natural to feel anxious, thinking

“Will I be okay?” or “Can I really do this?”

after seeing unsettling information about teacher shortages and the like.

However,
please try to imagine the positive aspects as well.
Try looking up positive information.

There are many good things, too.

In the first place, you never know what any job is like until you try it.
That is why I want you to think positively.

The “inspiration” you receive from children becomes a page in
your own life story as well as a page in the children's life stories.

The time spent with you
becomes a lifelong memory for someone.

Isn't that amazing??

Being remembered as “Mr./Ms. So-and-so from that grade.”
Thinking, “We did this in that class.”

Such a wonderful teaching profession,
a job chosen from among so many others.

The recess time spent playing noisily with the children, and
the time with children who come running up to you saying, “Teacher!”

Please, spend your “now” with a fun image in mind!!

Of course, this applies to current teachers as well!!

Summary

Writing things like this,

I might be criticized, saying
“That’s just sugarcoating!” or “My school isn't that easy.”

But, I still think that
in the profession you chose yourself,
trying to enjoy the present is what is truly important.

Also, quitting teaching is not a bad thing.
It is your own life, after all.

It is easy to want to complain about the surrounding environment, but
I want to try to focus even a little bit on “what is fun right now.”

Isn't that the same for any profession?

Well then, see you in the next post!!
Merry Christmas!!!