Reflections on the 9-5 and the rest of it!

Melinda rightly prompted me to add a post to my blog. She's right. I have not blogged much in a while and it isn't because I have had little to say! It's 'that time of the year' - the catch cry of many a high school teacher who is juggling report writing with the marking of assessments and programming and planning. Add to that debating and a whole host of other activities that make up the ever increasingly demanding life of a teacher and that gives you some reason for my lack of posting! So...this post is about work!

Someone whom I admire, Winston Churchill once said "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." and I think that this is so true. It speaks true because teaching is altruistic. Francoise De Motteville once said "The true way to render ourselves happy is to love our work and find in it our pleasure." When I think about my colleauges, my amazing colleagues, I can really see both of these quotes ring true. Essentially their altruism, their dedication and hard work bring forth the most amazing results from their students. To see a student suddenly understand something - to see them slowly finding their place in the world is indeed a privilege that I imagine is not extended to most people in their daily 9 to 5 routine. To be able to contribute to the formation of a young person - to help shape them and prepare them for the world beyond the confines of the school community is indeed something that gives life to the 9 to 5 of the everyday. One of my favourite quotes about teaching is "Teachers who inspire know that teaching is like cultivating a garden, and those who would have nothing to do with thorns must never attempt to gather flowers." It is a great quote that reflects the reality of teaching. I think all teachers would agree...