Hey everyone! :) I am leaving for work in a few minutes. It's is 6:52 am on Monday, August 23rd, and this is a day that I have been anticipating this year. I feel like this year is completely different from the past 3 years I've taught. Yes, I'm in Houston still, I'm teaching the same subject- Elementary Art, and I think I'm a pretty great Art Teacher (although, many times- my discipline isn't very good- and that translates into "classroom management"). Anyways, I feel that my perspective on teaching and a lot of the way I view the world and children, and people in general, has changed dramatically based on my past Summer! I got the amazing privilege of teaching English to 120 high school freshman for two weeks in Pinghu, China, an hour from Shanghai. Yes, although this job could just sound kind of glamorous or exciting, it was more than that.
It taught me to really lean into God for my teaching, and every area of my life. I had to let go of all the stresses that were surrounding me back home, and any stress or anxiety over teaching English to kids who had only taken English for 3 years, and who I thought were going to look at me like I was a "stupid American". Anyways, I think that I impressed these kids with my love and caring towards their learning. I don't think they've experienced a teacher who has smiled at them a lot, made them laugh, and helped them ENJOY learning English. A lot of the kids told me that they didn't like speaking English before, but because of me, they started to ENJOY speaking and practicing their English. They told me that it could be FUN to learn, and that I helped teach them that. I will have to type up some more of their letters, when I get a chance. But, reading each and every single one of their letters really encouraged me, and has helped me have the correct perspective this year. I know that my "classroom management" and discipline is important, but I also think that if I can truly show all my students that I care for them and their learning, and that I want them to ENJOY art first and foremost, then they will probably want to behave in my class.
It's definitely different than China, where I had amazingly disciplined and motivated kids who have had it engrained into their heads that they MUST be successful, because that is what their country stands for. BUT, regardless- I learned in China, that I am actually a WONDERFUL teacher. And, I need to let go of any slight imperfections I have and realize that what matters is my excitement over my subject, and my knowledge of it..and if I can truly share that insight and EXCITE then I can change my kids here in America for the better. Kids in America need to see a teacher who is passionate about something. They need to find some of that passion for themselves. So, that is my goal. I want them to be able to express themselves, and to find a love for art just simply because it allows them to do that. I want them to learn about cultures around the World who express themselves through Art. I want them to know how important Art is for this. Art is a means of expression, when often times you cannot find the words to express yourself- painting or using clay or any other medium is a means of expression when words are not enough. :)
Well, gotta get going! But, I hope every single teacher has a great year! :) Everyone who is not a teacher, please pray for us all as we start out our school year. I know you might not think our jobs are hard, but trust me- they are. Harder than you can imagine. Emotionally exhausting. But, even if you do not understand it, please pray for us- for us to reach the kids. Because it's about the kids, not the teachers. :) Thanks! :)
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