This has kind of been a strange week. Well, I have to say that it started with an email from a former colleague...incidently the one who now has my previous gifted ed. teaching position. She had asked me about a project I had done last year...the Angry Birds Catapult, which really reminded me of the very cool things I was able to plan and accomplish with my amazing students. Which of course led me to miss my job, my career. I really hadn't until I was reminded of it and how rewarding it can be.
Then there was today...I saw a middle school teacher on a field trip with her kids. They had such spirit and enthusiasm, and I found myself becoming jealous of her and her opportunity to just be around them. Kids, especially middle school ones, keep you young, fun, and most importantly, grounded. Is it time to consider going back?
Returning would mean stress, large classes, grading essays and stories, lesson plans, long nights and weekends...not to mention teaching to the test mandated by the state, drama among faculty, and ridiculous expectations.
I can't but feel, though, that I was my best "self" while teaching. Am I meant to do anything else? It seems like other professions, though honorable, just don't make the cut for me. Is it because I have done this for so long? 13 years is a big chunk of my life. Do I think of returning simply because it is really what I know and the thought of doing something else is just scary? Would there be anything else that is as fulfilling for me? As I consider my options...which are actually limited due to my educational direction....I just don't know what else is out there for me that would provide the same rewarding feeling that teaching can. Would I like to get involved in the wine industry? yes. Would I love to write (and maybe someday sell!) short stories? yes. Would I love to have an antique shop. yes. Could I do it all?
Lots to think about.
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