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Why I love this job



"O you are very brave"



"Why?"



Two common reactions when I tell people that I'm a teacher.



Teaching - a mugs game? I don't think so for a moment.


I've been reflecting on an extraordinary 2007. Why do I love this job? For me the answer came during a carol service at a church in Portsmouth. The S.O.N. team were due to present during the service so I tagged along. It's often been said that the best part of teaching is actually getting through to children. Maybe to change their point of view or challenge them to think.


After the teams' presentation they surprised me by giving me with a framed copy of the photo above. Listening to them recounting their experiences and reflecting on what they had learnt was a magical moment for me. But is it only the 5? Luckily no. As I prepare to leave Portchester I have been overwhelmed by the kind words from pupils and parents. It seems that I have made some impact after all! What a great feeling!




This next photo sums up the next best thing about teaching - other people. I have been very lucky to meet some great people this year on the many courses, conferences and trips I have made. What they all have in common is a passion for education and I'd like to thank them all for their time, ideas and for the occasional kick up the backside that I sometimes need!


I've been very lucky to travel with work this year. South Africa, Barcelona, India, France and the USA. The best part of these visits? Again the impact on young people - I have always been a believer that the most important learning happens outside of the classroom and these trips have confirmed that to be the case.

So, how do I top these experiences in 2008? I can't wait to get started...

Teaching - probably the best job in the world.
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Comments

  1. Anonymous18 December 2007 at 15:51

    How very true, whilst I am not a teacher I still work in Education and possess a real passion for making a difference. I think I too realised that after our trip to India, we can make a difference. I hope the drive, enthusiasm, committment and sheer hardwork that the 5 boys have shown and still continue to do so does rub off onto other people. They certainly made an impact on me, I feel very proud to know them.

    I am always filled with many feelings when I enter a classroom, and I think yes I have helped someone today.

    I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for making my trip pleasurable, it is a real honour to have found such a friend that has the passion for teaching, geography and for the work you do with young people. I also wish you the very best of luck in your new job.

    ReplyDelete
  2. David Rogers18 December 2007 at 16:46

    No worries Sue, although I'm sure you're just after the coffee!

    ReplyDelete

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