I am Proud to be a Teacher...

By Claire Macdonald

Even though

I’m often

Overwhelmed

Exhausted

Frustrated

Angered

Unappreciated

Overworked

As a teacher

However

I’m proud to be a teacher- Why?

I’m often energized

Excited

Amazed

Amused

Enthused

By my students

And colleagues

Occasionally I’m

Thanked

Appreciated

Praised

Listened too

validated

By Students from my past

And from my present

Whenever I begin to question

Just why am I still here?

Still teaching?

Still doing more and more

With less and less

I’m still here because

I still care

For my students

who make me laugh every day

I learn something new every day

I know I am making a difference.

I’m proud to be a teacher,

that’s why

Have a comment about this article? Want to write a letter to the editor or maybe an article yourself? Contact ataglance@ata38.ab.ca to find out more.

© March 2006, ATA Local #38 Calgary Public Teachers