On the Job

     The sound of silence often accompanies the first days of school.  Students "check out" what their environment holds for them come the next nine months.  And while that silence is eventually broken a sense of comfort has prevailed since entering the building.  The "work" of a child lies squarely in school.  By the time 4th grade has arrived they have been "on the job" for a good 4-5 years already.  They're comfortable in their role. 

     Like any job an adult may have there are parts of it that kids like and dislike.  Regardless of their feelings toward any particular aspect of their work, they are asked and required to fulfill their obligations:  classwork, homework, tests, projects, social activities, and more.  They are put on a path of rigorous work that requires the act of thinking, responding, and questioning.  Their "job performance" is constantly being observed, judged, and critiqued.  In spite of "missing the mark" on a particular task they turn around and try again...day in and day out...to get it right.

     Like any job an adult may have there is the social piece of school that kids experience.  The classroom likens itself to an office space.  It has rules and regulations, procedures and expectations.  Personalities adhere to one another as well as clash against each other.  Drama can infiltrate the environment and feelings are often worn on the shoulder.  A sense of belonging begins to ripen as experiences are shared.

     Like any job an adult may have there is the responsibility of school that kids experience.  Work needs to be completed, behaviors needs to kept in check, and awareness of community must be present.  Kids are learning that their individual actions often affect other people...and depending on the choices they make carve out that affect.  Personal responsibility for actions, words, and demeanor is practiced daily in school.

     Like any job an adult may have there is a sense of accomplishment, of pride as it were, in a job well done.  School offers the chance to shine.  While one may not shine everyday they will shine at some point...and more than just once.  The pride that compliments a job well done, a concept learned, or a well-intentioned act of kindness often permeates one's desire to continue to do well.  What we feed grows!

     I would have to say one of the best parts of teaching is the opportunity it affords me to encourage kids to rise to their potential, to help them understand all that they can be, and to push them farther than they would care to push themselves.