As a high school classroom teacher, I have always felt that my real coworkers were teenagers. If I were rude to the English teacher on the other hall, it really didn't matter because I would not have to see her again until the next faculty meeting anyway. If I upset one of my students, however, I would have to deal with that the next time his or her class rolled around--today or tomorrow. I knew that my interactions with my students were important for the sake of my job completion; I didn't know it kept me looking sane.
I do have friends and family, and I keep in good contact with my family members who actually live a mere 2 miles from my house. I may even communicate once in a while with my college roommate who lives in Hawaii (keeping in mind the 6 hour time difference, of course). Most of the time, however, I have little time to socialize.
Now that I am at my house with two small kids--one who cannot yet talk and one who cannot quit--I find that my need to communicate with these formerly neglected friends and family (or maybe it's just adults) is more necessary. At home I speak slowly and repeat things. The topics range from Cheerios to Wubbzy to princesses to diapers. And that's about it. The other night I went to the last gifted certification class that I have been enrolled in for over a year, and voila! a table full of people. They're all over 18, and they don't get frustrated when I talk fast about something I thought about. They are all teachers at my school, and so we have that to talk about too. "How's so-and-so-doing?" Sounds great! The only problem is I think I have been so starved for peer interaction that I talked way too fast about everything and I probably looked pretty pitiful.
I guess I did not realize how important my interactions with my students has been. I do not have many deep discussions with any of them, and most of the time they are upset about something completely inconsequential to me, and usually it should be inconsequential to them too. Nonetheless, the brainless teenage drama (or simple interactions?) must be pretty important at keeping me from babbling wildly when I get around other people my age. Who knew? This is good and will be useful to remember the next time that they are driving me crazy.
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3 comments:
Hey!
I can relate to your circumstance right now. I was out on maternity leave with my 2nd child when taught 3rd grade. I was also finishing up my EDS in Leadership. I was hungry for adult conversation. At that time, my oldest was 4 and here was my infant crying and my 4 year old screaming for Barney. When I finally returned to work, my students and peers probably thought that I was NUTS!!! I catered to their every need. I always has something to talk about and it was not centered around motherhood.
That experience took me to another level in education because I learned the power of relationships with students. It is so important, even when you don't want to hear it, to listen to them.
Well it only goes to show us as teachers we need our students! What a wonderful revelation you have arrived at. Our students make our teaching life complete and when one is unhappy it is usally reflective in their attitude toward our assignment or directions. Yes it is wonderful to remember on that day when you have just about had all you can take, that you reflect back and remember the day when you did not have this interaction but was faced only with Cheerios and diapers. The almighty does have a way of making us humble!
Ivyspecial (Janis)
Funny post! Recently I began working from home, and when I chose to do this many of my friends thought that I was insane because I am a people person. It just so happens that I also love to be alone and in control of what I do. As a result, like you, my need for the interactions with my online students is great. I find myself talking to them on the phone for 30 minutes to an hour about random things that are important to them. It never ceases to amaze me how much we need contact with other "adults".
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