Mr. Teacher

A Few of My Favorite Things

by John Pearson

I know that I complain a lot. I can admit that. Many teachers do. Too many students, too little effort by the kids, too much paperwork, etc, etc.

However, despite all of the stress and frustration that comes with being a teacher, there are certainly a lot of things that make it all worthwhile. Things that keep me in the profession. Besides laziness and a lack of motivation to update my resume, that is.

I thought that this week I would talk about my top 5 favorite things that happen at school. This is not a general list for all teachers, with such items as “Helping children,” or “working air conditioning.” No, this is more a list of little things that happen, either every day or from time to time, that make me smile.

Number 5: The way my kids think I am the world’s greatest genius because I can instantly answer the toughest math questions they can think of.

Of course, these questions are usually along the lines of, “What’s three times one million?” When I answer lightning fast, there’s an audible gasp and murmurs of awe.

Number 4: Throwing the football with my kids during recess.

A few weeks into the school year, recess was abolished, but then given back for one day a week. Thus, on Fridays, I take the ol’ pigskin outside and toss it around with some of the kids. It’s probably the most fun part of my week.

Number 3: The interaction with some of my former students.

One in particular is a little girl who occasionally runs up to me after school and yells, “Hi, Daddy!” I give her the expected response, which is, “Hello, Daughter!” After which she runs away giggling.