In my experience, most teachers are idealists.
A viral trend among educators this year is to post two photos, one indicating how a teacher felt on September 1st and one showing the wear 30 days on. My own attempt accompanies this post.
Seeing so many of these “then and now” shots, I have been struck by two questions: is this virtual timelapse representative of truth and, if so, why are our lives as educators wearing us down in this fashion?
I conclude the first assertion – that there is a significant difference in a teacher between September 1st and October 1st – is absolutely true. Is it true without exception? No. But it is true in most cases. There is a difference. For educators, September 1st and October 1st are not created equally.
This brings us to the second interrogative: why?
In my experience, most teachers are idealists. The summer off (which is now far closer to two months than to the proverbial three) allows for teachers to recharge, re-energize, and re-commit. Most return to school with plans and procedures, dreams and goals that are lofty and inspiring. Those teachers who are new to the profession bring with them a similar vibrancy and the wonderful perspective that all things are new. During the summer, educators have slept more, have had free time, and have had a much needed break. They return to school with an energy they likely have not felt since the last bell on the last day of classes the prior year. Students, too, it must be noted, are often at their best in the first weeks of the year. They are, though they may not admit it, excited. They are learning new things and new people. They inspire their teachers.
There is a ton of energy at the start of any year…
… 30 days later, things are different. Educators themselves are different. 30 days make a difference.
And that is okay. It is, as they say, all good.
I do not mean to characterize the wonderful work of education as life sucking drudgery. I do not mean to suggest that this work is not wonderful. And I note that the September/October memes are posted in good fun.
But there truly is a difference between September 1st and October 1st. It is okay to recognize that. It is okay to note that what we do can be draining. What we do can knock us down every once in a while. What we do feels different 30 days in.
The reality is that educators persevere. They are here for those first 30 days and the next 30 and the next. It is what they do.