a l i v e & a w a k e

I'm only a young teacher. I've only been in this amazing profession 8 years now. Everyday has been fantastic and ever year I seem to enjoy it more and more; this, despite the fact I hear so much negativity surrounding class sizes, behaviour of students, lack of funds in Boards, teaching hours and missing prep time. To be honest, I've had a hard time jumping on any of these bandwagons, partly because sometimes ignorance is bliss (what you don't know can't worry you!), but mostly because of perspective.

I think I got part of it from my grandma who experienced some pretty disturbing events in her life, but through it all, managed to be one of the most positive people I ever knew. Her working philosophy was basically, "the things in the past are in the past and can't be changed. Learn from the things you can't change, but work hard to change the things you can".

I also appreciated the things my parents put into me, which helped to decipher the things that "really matter", like the importance of close relationships, generosity to others and serving others.

In the teaching world, there are a LOT of things you can busy yourself with; things that will consume your time (and your mind if you let it), leaving no room to put your hand to the important things. I guess if there's one thing I've learned so far, is to come into work everyday, ready personally armed with the right perspective. I need to place the important things in the front of my mind before I take on the day- things like:

• I have the awesome privilige of joining my colleagues in serving these kids today. If I don't, there may not be anyone else.
• Every student I meet deserves the best I can give. Greet them by name. Smile. Say hello. Make myself open to them. There is an amazing impact when there is consistent positive voice into their lives
• If I can administrate my day well, it will release me to spend quality time with them
• Encourage my colleagues and be a positive voice in their lives
• Find some strength in everyone, and let them know it.
• At the end of it all, the work will be history. It will be the relationships that continue.

The have been a lot of life-giving voices in my life, and for all of them I am grateful. They have equipped me with a positive perspective; just what I need to be the kind of teacher my students need.

Jon