Do We Really Matter?

Over the last two years, I have been faced with lots of challenges; both in the classroom and personally.  These challenges have really made me wonder if this job is worth it.  If the time I have to spend working at home is worth it?  If the time I spend wondering about my students, if they eat, sleep, or have someone to care for them, is it worth it?  Is the money that I spend on Kleenex or classroom supplies worth it? Is struggling to pay the bills on two teacher salaries worth it?  Are the long hours and the feelings of under appreciation really worth it? 

There are days when my answer it no.  I know you feel it too.  Days in the trenches are hard, and unfortunately, not everyone understands what it is like to be needed by so many!

I did some thinking about how I could decide if it was worth it….

I started by thinking about former students.  Two instances came to mind.  The first one I thought about involved a student named Sarah Heffner.  She was in my “original CATS class,” which was my very first CATS class.  She posted a picture on Facebook of when she was in 9th or 10th grade. You can see my comment on the picture at the top!  And, LOOK AT HER RESPONSE (right)! 

We had this conversation in 2013! I still remember this comment! And, you know what, it’s true.  She always will.  

Next, I received a Thank You note from a young man named Ben Strickland.  He graduated in 2011.  From time to time since then, he would come visit Mrs. Byrd, Mrs. Kirkpatrick, and I.  He graduated from college a few weeks ago, and she and I wrote him a congratulation note.  And this was his response!  “I owe a portion of my success to you ladies.” This comment made me happy :) 

These two small instances made me smile and really feel like I made a difference!  So, I decided to gather some data.  I created a GoogleDoc and shared it on Facebook.  The responses from students were amazing!  I got about 15 responses.  Check out all the responses below.  Think about all the people who didn't respond.  This is a small snap shot of the impact teachers make.

So, my conclusion is this:  WE MATTER! YOU MATTER! That smile you give, MATTERS! The snarky comment you hold back, MATTERS!  The work at home, the listening you do, the hours of grades; IT ALL MATTERS.

This crazy job is worth it :) 

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