Felt like starting out with a laugh so here we go:
An English teacher asked her class to write an essay on what they'd do if they had a million dollars. Alec handed in a blank sheet of paper. "Alec?" questioned the teacher, "you've done nothing. Why?"
"Because if I had a million dollars, that's exactly what I would do!"

Ok so if you got no humor outta that...you're laaaaame. NO offense, just my opinion, and this is my blog which states my opinions so I find it completely appropriate to have said so. Today's topic...the many roles of a teacher. I could get on my soapbox and rant and rave about how teachers are under appreciated and don't get a lot of credit to which they are due, but I won't. When it comes down to it I think for any REAL teacher, teaching is not a job; it's a calling. And I think that the most effective teachers are those who view teaching as such. Because though rewarding more times than not the work of a teacher is continuous. Even if you could find yourself to be perfect in 10 roles (highly, highly unlikely), there is role 11 to improve on. The majority labels us as teachers, which is true, but the depth that lies within that word is so much more than most imagine. We are much more than lectures that have pretty handwriting on the board. We are organizers, facilitators, participants, instructors, models, managers, diagnosticians, evaluators, coordinators, and communicators...just to name a few. Most days trying to embody all these practices inside one human being makes one feel as though they are about to literally explode, but it is what's asked of us. So each day we will go into to our classroom, grit our teeth, and square our shoulders to walk side by side with and reach the children we have been trusted with that day. Being a teahcer is not about being a big flashy star, nor is it about being invincible and in charge. Being a teacher is about being an inspiration and working with a team. A team that includes our students, fellow teachers, adminstrators, parents, counselors, and the local community. Our mission to ensure the bright futures of today's youth by providing them with a solid foundation to stand on. It's never easy and it was never promised to be. But things in life most meaningful are those you work hard and sacrifice for. Just some food for thought. Til next time...love, laugh, dance, and dream.

Melissa