12

A Teacher Walks In A Park...

[Why I work as a teacher?]
To those who knew me from the earlier years, they might find the job a bit peculiar because they expected a lot more from me - lawyer, engineer, pharmacist, serial killer, drug dealer etc. I wanted to be a teacher, and the only ones who knew were my parents.

[Seriously. Why a teacher?]
Because both of my parents were teachers. And I was fascinated when they marked the exercise books in front of me. And I was born bossy and only tolerate truth and facts from people. And I found patronizing people quite fulfilling this dark heart of mine. It's not about the money, really.

[Now you have been one for several years... How is it?]
The journey was not smooth. I got into a lot of trouble because I refused to be like everyone else. But truth be told, you ONLY remember EXTRAORDINARY teachers in school, right? I wanted to be one. Teaching is very rewarding, and as I have a black soul to begin with, it is nice to see that your students ended up successful.

[Politics in workplace. Your comment?]
I am usually my own faction, because nobody acts and thinks like me. This make me a target for war-mongers and gossipers alike. Oh, it's so much fun to attack the odd guy! I don't usually take sides, and keep my opinion to myself. But this has changed as I grow older, now I would expressed myself rather loud everywhere.

[What's your favourite activity in class?]
Other than teaching and belittling people? Maybe storytelling with students. I told them about the goode-olde-dayes, and what I did then. They found my stories genuinely fascinating because I did things few normal people would (will not divulge this to you for security measure). There is always a moral in my story, not just empty talk, and they remember my stories way better than the actual lesson I taught them!

[So you are truly happy with the job?]
Truth be told, I am a bit unhappy with the direction the education this country is heading. But as I am a lowly teacher, I will try to obey as much as I can.

And this was taken this morning during the mentor-mentee session. I (black shirt) was sitting way back with six of my students. (We can use the classroom but I was lazy to climb the stairs, naturally). We talked about their academic accomplishments and how to improve. I think I talked a lot of nonsense because I was unhappy with somebody earlier but the students seemed ok with their venting teacher. I am only alien, ok!

12 comments:

Debra She Who Seeks said...

You're absolutely right -- we remember the extraordinary teachers the most. I've been privileged to have known a few over the years and they made me a better person.

Unknown said...

Dear Debra;
I emulated my favourite teachers I ever encountered. They are indeed memorable and their amalgam, me, is fascination itself, hahaha.

Martha said...

I totally agree about the extraordinary teachers being remembered. I had an English teacher in grade 9 who was always on my back about one thing or another. She did it because she said I had a lot of potential that I was tossing away. So she kept pushing me and I ended up getting awards and some of the highest marks in the class. I didn't like her at the time but looking back, she was one of the best teachers I ever had.

Unknown said...

Dear Martha;
Good for you for gettings those awards :) I am usually angry because i know they are wasting their potential too. And they love to see the fireworks, which is me when angry.

Tomoko said...

Impressive! You are right. Only a extraordinary teachers is remembered by students. Your parents were wonderful influence on you!
I hope you will be such a teacher from now on too!!
Enjoy with your students.

Abby said...

Wonderful interview! I taught for a private company for a few years which had me seriously considering getting my teaching license to be a public school teacher. My first year in the licensure program at the university gave me second thoughts - similar to your "happy" question. I imagine it's hard to distance yourself from some of the directives, even if you are a rebel!
I bet your students will remember you for a long long time.

ShadowRun300 said...

Teaching's a tough job, but can be very rewarding. That's why we do it. (Or in my case, DID it). It has nothing to do with pay.
It was my most memorable teachers that made me want to get into teaching, and it was great while it lasted.
From what I see, I bet your "kids" will remember you as an extraordinary teacher, and will think of you fondly for years to come.

Unknown said...

Dear Tomoko;
Truth be told, i am not as nice as my parents, ergo i am a different kind of teacher. I consider myself to be amazing though in class.

Unknown said...

Dear Abby;
You can say I was a bit misguided about wanting to be a teacher. I wanted to have a lot of holidays and can go back early. I got the first wish, but the second is fading as the years go by. I love teaching though.

Unknown said...

Dear ShadowRun300;
My students do remember me, and a few may do so not so fondly, as i am rather brutal to naughty boys. In every school that i ever taught, i was the only teacher every student know by name on sight. Even when i never ever talked or see them in class. That infamous :)

Unknown said...

Nice entry, sir. I have always wanted to be a teacher as well :)

Unknown said...

Good for you.
Hope you will be a better teacher than me.

Post a Comment

Back to Top