Overwhelm

Last year I had the dream teaching job.   A supportive administrator, smaller class sizes, 80 minutes to teach each of those classes, a strong, appreciative PTO and parent base and the freedom to extend my teaching gifts and talents without micromanagement. 

This year...


 


Colossians 3:23
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, (NIV)

Working with Less

I have a new administrator.   And the jury is still out on whether I like how she does things.   Don't get me wrong; I'm loyal to the cause and will do my best to work with her wishes.   But I found my attitude slipping the last couple weeks, until I remembered....

I'm actually not there for her.  Or for the district, or for my career.  I'm there for the kids.   I'm there because I have a mission to do the following:

  -  change the way students think of Social Studies
  -  change the way students think of school
  -  change the way students think of teachers
  -  help them through the difficult transition that is 7th grade
  -  help them love learning
  -  help them love life


And I can still do all these things with tighter restrictions, an "echo-ey" classroom, shorter class periods and larger class sizes.   It might not be as easy, but I have to remember it's not  my strength anyhow.   My strength and wisdom comes from above, and when I need it, it will be there.  

I Thessalonians 5:16-19 NIV Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances; this is the will of God for your life.

II Corinthians 9:8 NIV And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

EVERY STUDENT IN YOUR CLASS IS SOMEONE'S WHOLE WORLD

We view parents as possible problems.  We have to watch what we say; don't say too much but make sure you say enough.  We know they are quick to jump on us, so they are frightening. 

However, the sun rises and sets for them on that child and they are sending that child to your classroom every day...all day.   These parents have talked, modeled and mentored and now somebody else is doing it.   They used the right bottles, bought the right car seat, and kept strangers at bay in order to keep them safe.  And now a sanctioned stranger has the potential to take that safety away.  

A master craftsman who designs a lovely vase would feel tentative about handing over his not-yet-completed piece several times a week for other craftsmen to put their touch on it.   What if those other craftsmen destroy elements that were lovingly planned and intricately and so carefully fashioned?  What if when he gets his vase back, it looks completely different than what he had planned.   Years of work....ruined.   

Yes, it sounds dramatic, but we must remember we are privileged to work with someone else's handiwork. 

It is our job to enrich the vessel, not redesign it. 


1 Peter 4:10 - "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:"