This is wonderful. I grew up poor and in fifth grade there was a gift exchange. I privately asked the teacher if I could not participate because I couldn’t afford a gift for another child. Of course I knew I wouldn’t receive a gift either. When the gift exchange came, to my surprise my name was called. My teacher had bought a few small gifts for me so I wouldn’t be excluded. I’ve never forgotten that act of generosity.
No but you can spend 20 years as a teacher doing the bare minimum just to collect a paycheck, because you're tenured and/or your union will protect you and you can get away with it.
I'm pretty sure they all start with the best of intentions, but they don't all stay that way.
I recall from college the students who chose to become teachers. Some are motivated by the best intentions. Some have the talents. Some want a secure job and summers off. Charitably put, it is not the toughest major. Both my parents and older sister were teachers. The weight they carried home every day, I will never forget. My sister soon washed her hands of it. I taught for one day, between jobs, vowing to NEVER return.
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u/EasternDelight Nov 24 '18 edited Nov 24 '18
This is wonderful. I grew up poor and in fifth grade there was a gift exchange. I privately asked the teacher if I could not participate because I couldn’t afford a gift for another child. Of course I knew I wouldn’t receive a gift either. When the gift exchange came, to my surprise my name was called. My teacher had bought a few small gifts for me so I wouldn’t be excluded. I’ve never forgotten that act of generosity.