I am a Teacher

I found this on facebook this morning but was unable to locate the original author.  I figured it was worth sharing :)

(The name calling especially resonated with me this week...)

I AM A TEACHER

I went to college, got a four year degree.

Was required to go back to college and get a Master's Degree.

I applied for many positions and even worked as a substitute teacher.

I endured state and national testing.

I was finger printed and background checked.

I trained before, during, and after my training/ education.

I continue to train because I am a lifelong learner.

Since full time employment, I have sacrificed time, sleep, and Family.

I have sacrificed my own money year after year to provide for my students.

I am a teacher.

I have learned, lasted, endured change, endured further change, and endured orders to embrace the change.

While you were sleeping, I have corrected papers and tests, researched and created, and endured harassing phone calls and emails with grace and professionalism.

I teach the kids who live on your streets.

I teach the kids that have been bailed out of jail.

I teach the kids who have been kicked out of psychiatric centers because they were beyond help.

I teach the kids whose home situations you could never imagine even in your worst nightmares.

I teach ALL students no matter their socio-economic status, race, ethnicity, medical/ psychiatric condition, good or poor attitude, religion, family circumstances.

When accused by the federal and state government for being part of a failing system,

I endure name calling, shame, and criticism simply because I am a teacher.

I am professionally evaluated on two days worth of test scores and not the amount of time and effort I put into my teaching.

And despite it all,

I AM a teacher

And devoted to this noble calling.