Stepping up

So I'm rediscovering what it means to be a teacher. Before school starts a week from today, I'm having pep talks with myself to get ready for the task at hand: educating our youth. No matter how much I may not want it to be the case, I am now an authority figure. An enforcer. A role model. A teacher.

It's time to step it up.

My first year of teaching, I had no interest in being an authority figure. I did not want to yell and run things my way, I did not want to take charge in every fathomable situation... and that may be part of the reason my class became disorganized. Now I realize that I signed up for an awesome responsibility. It doesn't matter that I don't *want* to be in a position of an authority; I *have* to be. The students need someone who can take charge and model responsibility. They need me to help structure their day, to facilitate a well-maintained classroom, and to show them what respect is really about.

On a semi-related note, I'm also taking on another role I *never* thought I'd do again: a softball player. I've detested the game ever since 7th grade, when I got hit in the head with the ball at a friend's birthday party. I swore off playing, and have had no interest in the game ever since. However, my boyfriend has asked me to play on his co-ed league this fall and for some reason, I accepted. It seems, though, that this presents a wonderful opportunity for me to grow as a person. I think this will allow me to convey many valuable lessons to my classes... if they moan and groan about not wanting to do the work or not being able to, I'll talk to them about my softball experience. After playing catch with a friend last night, my confidence has slightly increased. That gives the old adage "practice makes perfect" a little more weight, and perhaps I can pass this message onto my students.

I think this will be a challenging year. I'm a bit more pessimistic than I was for my first year of teaching, and I think that's a good thing. I'm somewhat dreading being a teacher again, but I feel an undeniable and grounded sense of optimism. ("Cautious optimism," I'm tempted to call it.)

However, I'm coming up with some ways of thinking about my role as a teacher and leader... Here are some of my thoughts as of late:

-I will walk head held high and shoulders squared, so that I may face the world and its challenges.

-I will model a good sense of self pride (not arrogance) to my students.

-I will not tolerate behavior in the classroom that dissuades learning or prevents me from educating my students.

-I am now a leader, a teacher, and a role model. I must not abuse this privilege, for it is a critical role in our society.

-The students will become my primary concern, diminishing any selfishness I may have. (That's not to say, though, that I won't take care of myself.)

-I will step it up.

One week 'til go time. For now, I continue my preparation. Cheers.