Wednesday, July 24, 2013

on teaching, in spite of....

this teaching,
it's in my blood -
smile on my face
coffee cup in hand
scurrying around room 804
delighting in students'
curiosity
creativity
and
learning
but
this new year
will be one of those
in-spite-of years
as
i feel the
rip current our state legislature has created
dragging teachers and students
into a sea of
mistrust
mediocrity
frustration
and
difficulty
but
this teaching,
it's in my blood
and
in-spite-of
over crowding
fewer resources
and
less funding
my students and i will
matter
if not to our representatives,
to each other
and this teaching,
it's
in
my
blood

i feel the most disrespected and undervalued i have ever felt as a public servant. could i make more of an impact with fewer students in the room? yes. could my students have better days if we had enough transportation money for them to board a bus after 6:00 am? yes. could elementary school teachers achieve more with each student if they had assistants? yes. could NC attract bright new teachers if we offered pay raises and monetary incentives to pursue higher degrees? absolutely. but at this point, i have done all i can do. i have researched, contacted my representative (who voted against the budget) and sighed a lot. now, it's time to depend on the gifts god has bestowed, unlock room 804 and make a difference. oh lord, there is none like you to help....

linking with jennifer and emily

10 comments:

  1. I come from a family of teachers so I applaud you in the difference you make in the life of many. "It's time to depend on the gifts god has bestowed, unlock room 804 and make a difference. oh lord, there is none like you to help...." Amen! Your heart was felt Kendall. A beautiful post. Happy to be your neighbor at Emily's today.

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  2. My 18-yr-old is in college now to become a kindergarten teacher. I encourage her dreams. But inwardly I wince when I hear more and more of how difficult it is. :-( I'm glad you're sticking with it despite the changes. Our kids are worth it. Thank you.

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  3. Kendal, Only the strong and dedicated can make the biggest difference in teaching the youth of today. I am happy that you fall into that category. May you continue to inspire and teach all those you have in your classes. Teachers like you are the reason we have hope for the future of this country. I am proud to be your cousin. Keep up the wonderful work.
    Kynee

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  4. Be encouraged in the calling God has placed in you...

    If God be for you who can be against you?

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  5. this is BEAUTIFUL in an appalling situation. you speak Light in darkness.

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  7. So many things press in on us as educators. I have to remind myself that the Lord has put me here for a purpose in each student's life. It's hard to screen out the other stuff, especially when it affect them and their learning environment. I'm thankful there are teachers like you, Kendal, who keep loving on them and teaching them -- with His help! A light in a dark world.

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  8. i pray you have good coffee and collegues and students that make you smile ;)

    you are a missionary sent from God to every student you teach

    love you

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  9. I feel you, lady. I am so discouraged. Blessings.

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  10. Kendall,

    Your love for teaching and kids shines through here, and I appreciate your heart of saying, "Okay, this is all I can do, so now I'll trust God and the skills he's given me, and unlock the door of room 804."

    May he do great things in and through you this fall, Kendall. Thanks for being one of America's teachers. You are vital. :)

    Jennifer Dougan
    www.jenniferdougan.com

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