A Teacher's Work

I have to remind myself that I am actually a teacher - even if I don't have the slightest sensation of feeling like one at all. What I have been learning these last few days is that a teacher's work never [ever] ends! I haven't taught a single lesson [nope, not even one] but every second of my day is filled with something related to teaching [it is all my brain can think about these days]! I just spent the past 3 hours doing teacher related activities [the details of which are much too thrilling for this boring blog!] and am feeling completely worn out! Goodness it's hardly 9:30 and I'm ready for bed! This cold I caught from Erin [or maybe Carter or Adam] won't go away - so that is also sending me to bed early tonight. Does it sound like I'm complaining? I'm not...I'm loving every second I have with those sweet first graders! I want to remember this feeling when teaching becomes such a normal part of my life I forget to remember just how thrilling it was at the beginning!

First Day

I feel exhausted, but what an exciting day I have had! It is official, no turning back, really truly reality - I am a [student] teacher. I think the reality [and the responsibility] have yet to settle in. I couldn't have asked for a better situation to be in, I just love the school I have been placed in. It is something only the Lord could have arranged for me. My cooperating teacher is just amazing. She is an incredible teacher and I already feel so comfortable with her. I really feel I am going to learn so very much from her and all the wonderful students in my classroom!

The students are amazing and constantly telling me hilarious things. Today, as I was helping a student get her mittens on and coat zipped for recess told me that she was glad she could have two teachers because now when she is the last person ready for recess she doesn't have to be alone. This little girl has already touch my heart. And so have many of the other students. All of them are dear and I am so thankful for this opportunity to touch their lives.

The desire of my heart is that I am able to be a light to these little children and hope that they are able to see the love of Christ in me. It truly is my deepest desire for this whole experience. I figure the details of teaching will all work themselves out, but more than anything I want my heart to be in the right place.

Like I said, I am exhausted. I'm off to write a letter to the parents of my students and then to bed before I fall over dead!

Shadowfeet

Shadowfeet by Brooke Fraser

Walking, stumbling
On these shadow feet
Toward home, a land that I've never seen
I am changing
Less and less asleep
Made of different stuff than when I began

And I have sensed it all along
Now fast approaching is the day

When the world has fallen out from under me
I'll be found in you, still standing
When the sky rolls up and mountains fall on their knees
When time and space are through
I'll be found in you

There's distraction
Buzzing in my head
Saying in the shadows it's easier to stay
But I've heard rumors of true reality
Whispers of a well-lit way

You make all things new

Patton Elementary

I really couldn't be happier with my experience today at Patton Elementary School. From the kids to the teachers it seems like such a wonderful place to work. I already know that I am going to love my time there (and will be so sad when it ends).

While the day was wonderful, I can't help but feel completely overwhelmed and so unprepared for what is ahead of me. Watching Julie (my cooperating teacher) work with her students was amazing to me. She really is a wonderful teacher and I wonder if I will ever be able to instruct in such a smooth, seemingly effortless way. I can't spend my time trying to be like Julie. I know that I am my own person and will teach in my own way, but I still hope that I can be at least half as awesome as she is.

As I begin this journey as a student teacher my heart's desire is to be a bright shining light at Patton. I hope that my students will see Jesus' love in my eyes - even if they don't realize that is what they are seeing. I want more than words could ever express to be a light in the darkness, a reflection of Jesus Himself. I want that even more than I want to be an excellent teacher. I figure as long as I am in His will, and being a testimony of His love the rest will take care of itself....

Next Wednesday I begin the real thing - I really can't wait!