Why I love what I do :)

We're back to school...we survived the first full week, and I am EXHAUSTED!!! Isn't that ridiculous?! Listen, when you've been out of the routine for 2 months, it's a little hard to get used to "working" again! We teachers are spoiled, I know. I was a little grumpy about giving up my summer break and starting school again. Well, I'm that way every August...but, I realized this week - once again - why I do what I do.

I get hugs every morning from precious children. I get to listen to stories from 5 year olds...some that make completely no sense at all, might I add! But...they love sharing, and I love listening to them tell me big tales :) I love the grammatically incorrect phrases that they say. I love their little speech impediments at that age. I love that some of the children feel their safest and most secure at school. There are children in foster care, children living in conditions that wouldn't be appropriate for animals, children dealing with fighting in the home, children that are hungry, dirty, neglected and abused.

What I love about teaching is that it's REAL. It's dealing with real people, real issues, and real accomplishments. It's seeing a child have pride in themselves for the first time. It's celebrating even the smallest accomplishments like learning a new color, a new letter, tying their shoes, writing their name, and even going to the potty by themselves. Every day, I realize something that I take for granted. The children teach me as much about life as I teach them...and sometimes more.

Of course, I get tired and I get frustrated at times. The paperwork gets overwhelming. The demands, changes and expectations get overwhelming. But...I love the children, and that's why I teach. It's worth it. I thank God that for my job, for the wonderful people I work with, and for the opportunities I have to make a wonderful difference in the lives of children.