once a teacher...

It's been almost three years since I taught school, and some days I miss it. Especially on Sundays when I'm at church and see the children and my former students, I find myself remembering. Although I have regrets and wish I could do some things over, I really loved teaching. I miss being involved with other teachers, children, and the school board. I miss having a classroom to decorate and dreaming up ideas for educational projects. I remember science fair, book study, social studies power points, map study, and caravans. I miss the thrill of explaining a lesson. I miss making lesson plans. I miss that amazing feeling of seeing a child progress and learn new skills and easily do math problems that were once hard for them. I miss seeing wonder and interest in their faces when presenting a fascinating history or science lesson. I miss introducing them to good books during story time. I miss all the breaks and summer vacation. But there's just about that many things I don't miss, too! When I compare my job now with teaching it's so much easier in some ways. At the end of the day I can go home, forget about work, and be free from responsibility. Also, I have better benefits and pay (not that I'm making so much money - Google "pharmacy technician salary" if you're curious). The medical world intrigues me and I genuinely enjoy my job.

As anyone who has been a teacher can probably tell you, teachers face criticism. I've learned I don't handle that very well. Another area I wish I was different in is being able to give correction without showing frustration. Being a teacher can be mentally and emotionally draining and I don't know if I'm really cut out for it. Part of me can't accept that my teaching days are over, though. Maybe I'll just always have this nostalgic feeling. I certainly will never regret the years I spent as a teacher!