The Hardest Part of Being a Teacher

So, this week was rough with some definite highlights... I came home every night emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausted. I've decided that one of the worst things about being a teacher is seeing the lives these kids have. It hurts to know that someone so little leads such a rough life. And while it's hard, I couldn't imagine doing anything different. Here are some of the struggles this week...

A little girl brings in the art project she made for me. It is all these circles cut out of really cute paper and glued onto a piece of cardboard. I thank her for it and set it aside. Later, as I'm cleaning my area up, I pick up the project and notice that it isn't any piece of cardboard. It is a Budweiser box. I know people drink all the time, and maybe her mom or dad only has one a night, but how sad is it that this little girl has to put her art project on a beer box? Instead of buying beer, maybe you could buy your child some real art supplies.

Another little boy comes into class on Thursday morning and just starts bawling. I ask him what's wrong and he tells me that his dad is telling him that his mom is a bad mom and that he is going to take him away from his mom. He explains that his dad is never around and he doesn't want to leave his mom. He just kept saying over and over that he didn't want to leave his mom and live with his dad. Parents, please leave your kids out of your marital or ex-marital drama. They don't understand and you are destroying them!!

Lastly, but definitely not least... A lot of kids call me mom and then correct themselves. (Normal... I used to do it.) What is not normal is when you have a student call you mom and not correct himself. I am his mom. He doesn't have one because his mom decided that drugs were more important than him or his older brother. His dad is doing the best he can as a single dad and I give him a lot of credit. But kids need moms and I am the closest thing this kid has to a mom. Talk about a heart breaker!!


Next time you hear someone talk about how easy it is being a teacher, you direct them to me. I will tell them just how "easy" it is. This job is not for everybody, but I know that God called me to this profession for a reason. So I will gladly accept the art projects on beer cases, be the shoulder to cry on, and be mom to 19 2nd graders.