Gratitude, Smadatude, What's All This Teaching Stuff About?

In a true Matt fashion, I will start this Thanksgiving blog with a joke.

What do a teacher and a turkey have in common?

By the end of November, they are both cooked!

Merry Chrismahanukwanzakah, uhh I mean, Happy Thanksgiving to all of my readers and fellow educators, 2022 has been one for the history books, and we still have another month. I genuinely think that we can do it and finish strong (or at least im convincing myself of that); in the words of one of my biggest supporters, my mother, “ I think I can, I think I can...” though I might think she is a little crazy sometimes she might be on to something here.

By now, you are probably well aware of my stance on the teaching profession. I believe the teaching profession has never been the path of least resistance. I think most teachers recognize going in—or at least within the first year of teaching—that teaching is difficult, especially with state legislatures attempting to defund our schools, the media portraying teachers negatively, our salaries being woefully low given our workload, and sometimes feeling as if our efforts go unnoticed. Still, as I sit here at 4:00 am on Thanksgiving morning, wide awake because I got a brilliant idea (or so I think) about the STAAR test and how to get my little stinkers to pass, I am searching for the words to express my feelings. I reflect on my ten years as a teacher, and gratitude comes to mind when I think of my profession. Overwhelming gratitude! Teaching has stretched and exhausted me, brought me to tears, and filled me with joy at the same time, built my confidence and humbled me, and most of all, taught me many things about people and myself. Therefore, I want to share with my fellow teachers, parents, friends, and followers why I am thankful and overcome with gratitude for being a teacher.

Thankful for Teaching Friends and Colleagues

Over the years, I’ve worked with and befriended some of the most amazing people. I kept in contact with many teachers I have worked with; these are the people I have collaborated with and celebrated life’s joys. We’ve grown up together and watched each other develop both personally and professionally.

I’ve also met terrific teachers in my current position. I currently work with many teachers who inspire me to work hard and do my best because I see them doing the same. Although none of them come close to my teaching partners, I know I can approach them and get help, collaboration, and encouragement, no questions asked (except when they want to know what hair-brained idea I have come up with now). It is truly a blessing to work in such an environment that allows me to blossom as a teacher, encourages me to want to do better, and even provides opportunities to be a teacher instead of a paper-pushing robot designed to check the boxes.

Thankful for Relationships With Former Students and Parents

A few weeks ago, I posted a blog about my frustration after a particularly discouraging day at work. Immediately, a student I had taught my first year replied, “Didn’t you know that I made it through high school because of you?” That was the bright spot of my day. I’ve been lucky to see kids grow up, graduate, and go on to become extraordinary people.

I feel the same way about parents. Let’s face it—in teaching, dealing with parents can be

Challenging.

But there are also many supportive, funny, and genuinely nice parents around. I’ve had the privilege of having many wonderful parents. For example, I have parents I stay in contact with via social media, and I love keeping up with their lives and what their kids are doing. In my opinion, developing relationships with kids, parents, and co-workers is the biggest perk of teaching.

Thankful for the Personal Transformation I’ve Experienced

Teaching has made me a stronger, more resilient person. I look back at my younger self—a quiet, reserved, and insecure 23-year-old. I let dumb things fluster me, and I often doubted myself. I taught as this version of myself for five years; then, I took an unexpected year-long hiatus from teaching. Being young and inexperienced is hard, but the only way through it is by sticking with education, talking to other teachers, reflecting, and trying again. So I took my advice and returned to teaching; I have learned and grown because of this decision. I’m a better teacher and human because I returned to education.

2022 Matthew is more confident. I’ve learned to let little things roll off my back and not to take myself too seriously. I’ve learned to be more forthcoming about who I am to my students and co-workers. I can now ask for help as needed, and I don’t feel bad for doing so. Today I reflect on my lessons, but I do not tell myself I am a terrible teacher if a lesson flops. Instead, I know what to do if I’m mid-lesson and things go awry. I build better rapport with my students, and I know I deserve to work in a place that values collaboration. Teaching has molded me into who I am today, and I’m grateful for that.

Thankful for Where My Teaching Journey Has Brought Me

I know I’m biased, but I’m confident I work in the best school. On paper, we’re a good school with high test scores, but we are also a hidden gem. We’re a small, rural, low-income, Title 1 school, and some educators fear that setting. It may not be everyone’s bag, but in our school, we function as a small family of friends and co-workers who strive to do what is best for our kids.

We have a principal who embodies what I want to be as an educator. She is firm but kind. She encourages her staff and supports her teachers when they need help. We have certified staff—some who’ve taught here their whole career and some who are new—who show kindness and dedication every day they walk into the building. They know their students, care about them and work hard to help them learn. We have non-certified staff who play an integral role, too. Our paras work hard, and they love our kids like their own. Our custodians and kitchen staff are flexible and helpful; the kids know and love them. We have parents who appreciate our efforts and kids who are enthusiastic about learning. My school is not perfect, but we work together, like and admire each other, care about our students, and do well academically. My building was a great place to land—and I’m glad to be here.

Let me be clear: Teaching is not a perfect profession. There are days when I come home exhausted and emotionally spent, and other times when I think, “I can’t do it. I can’t do one more day of this.” But I always come back to the joys of my job. What keeps me going? The hug I just got from the quiet kid in the back of the room. The kind—and yes, slightly misspelled—note I received from my new third grader or the email from a colleague that helped me get through the day. The Sonic tea a parent brought me out of the goodness of her heart. The Facebook message I received from an old student from my first teaching job. These anecdotes are the heart of teaching and my “why.” So im going to spend the last few days of my break basking in the quiet(im with my nutty family, so quiet as can be); then, on Monday, I’m going to get out of bed, take a few deep breaths, prepare for my day, and focus on gratitude—my gratitude for all that teaching has given back to me.