I hate teaching because students come up to me after class and say things like, "I really don't know what else to add to my paper," despite the fact that the rubric, the example I gave them, and the comments on their draft clearly indicate what's missing.
I love teaching because sometimes, you actually get through to someone you never thought you would and you get emails that say, "I was really sad that we didn't have class today. I hope it isn't cancelled again."
I hate teaching because there's always some jackass who waits until the middle of the class to raise his hand and provide an uninvited critique of my lesson plans and in doing so, effectively ruins the vibe of the class, and makes his classmates afraid to participate anymore. (Dude, I fucking know what I'm doing. I've got a lot of years, a lot of education and a lot of practice on you. Shut up.)
I love teaching because on Wednesday, no less than 4 former students hung out with me during office hours. I had lunch planned with 2 to talk poetry, 1 dropped by during lunch and joined up, and one came by before my class to tell me about a very, very bad date. It's nice to know that I'm the kind of person who can be a good teacher (and friend) outside the classroom too.
I hate teaching because there's always the group who competes to see who can fail the hardest, and thinks its funny. This group usually acts like 4 year olds during class, when they're supposed to be adults. I really hate being a babysitter. At least they haven't shit themselves. Yet.
I love teaching because, also on Wednesday, a student came into my office to ask about whether I thought an English degree would help him prepare for law school. I got to talk to him about passion, and about making choices for now, rather than later, and for himself, rather than his parents (who want him to go to med school). When he left my office, he looked so relieved to know that I thought, yes, he was totally capable of kicking ass at an English degree, but that if it wasn't what he loved, there were definitely other degrees that would help get him where he wanted to be.
Ultimately, I think the loves outweigh the hates. At least for this week. When it works out the way you hope, it really is (almost) worth it.
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3 comments:
Katie, I loved that posting. It totally hit on how I'm feeling, particularly today. The great thing is that the students you really connect with (even if they are the vast majority) are always going to remmember your effect on them. And the shits who make your life a living hell will probably crawl into some anonymous gutter and wish they had made more of their education (that happens right?).
I hope and pray for the existence of the anonymous gutter every day of my life.
you know - i love my english degree, but i just can't see myself doing a damn thing with it! not that i could support myself with, anyway.. -amy b.
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