tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914133192411473700.post306436230769218014..comments2024-03-29T00:13:57.654-07:00Comments on Start with a Question: "If you're a lawyer, why would you want to stay in teaching?"Kerry Gallagher, JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06929055111516475230noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914133192411473700.post-87154442104835708712009-10-17T11:15:55.065-07:002009-10-17T11:15:55.065-07:00Because of my abilities I could be out there "...Because of my abilities I could be out there "in the real world" earning twice if not more. As a result, I'm also asked this question all the time. <br /><br />I have to defend my choice to be a teacher. I do a pretty good job getting most to at least accept my choice, but the concept is so alien - it's not about the money; it's the impact. I love to learn; where better to be than with others just like me? Teaching is completely different than it was just twenty years ago - it's a two-way street now - it's never the same; it's always exciting! Yes, seeing their light bulbs going off and seeing their reactions when they turn on my light bulb - now that's teaching! I am grateful to be part of the learning. <br /><br />I, too, teach because I can.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05686337932398685509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914133192411473700.post-84520189153162645252009-10-17T09:33:43.592-07:002009-10-17T09:33:43.592-07:00Kerry, Thank you for this thoughtful response to M...Kerry, Thank you for this thoughtful response to Ms. Fine's essay. After more than 15 years in education, I've seen too many young teachers choose to leave the profession. And heard too many comments about how "easy" our job is. I experience frustrations every day, but come back the next day because I love my students, I love helping them see the world in a different way, and I love watching them come to understand something new for the first time. They make me laugh and keep me optimistic about the future. I, too, teach because I can.Magistra Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05329331458145333283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914133192411473700.post-16147592913007755432009-10-16T13:29:30.565-07:002009-10-16T13:29:30.565-07:00Wow---I have officially become a blog stalker. Sig...Wow---I have officially become a blog stalker. Sigh. Oh well. It's your blog, Kerry and I know I will learn something from you :)It's funny about the different people we meet. I have never heard that expression ...those who can't, teach. ..until just last month actually. When I worked as an occupational therapist in the school setting, I loved my job. I laughed every day and there was such a vibrancy within the school setting which is difficult to describe and difficult to find in any other location of work. There is a strong energy when working with children. Each child is unique. Teaching, to me, is the utmost giving profession for those who enjoy it. My older son graduated high school last year and he remembers every teacher who was enthusiastic about his/her job and every teacher who was not. The subjects he excelled in were taught by the teachers who enjoyed the art of teaching. My younger boy is a 5th grader. He adores his teacher this year. At dinner one night, I asked him why he liked his teacher so much. He bent down his head and thought for a few seconds, then he looked up at me and said, "Because of his enthusiasm." I told his teacher that at open house, and he said it gave him the chills. LOL. Kevin is now doing well in Math with this teacher, when he struggled last year. <br /><br />Good for you sticking with teaching, Kerry. Having a teacher with your background, your knowledge, your energy, and your ability to engage will open the eyes of many kids who may not have been able to see their own potential :)Pat Boyenoreply@blogger.com