This past academic year was my first official year teaching. Graphic Design was a blast and I think most of my students had as much fun as I had. Here are some things I learned:
- Teaching is just as demanding as ministry. Instead of two speaking responsibilities a week I had to speak 5 times a week and 6 times a day. I was forced to be entertaining and instructive every week day (I didn’t always succeed at that).
- Students are smart. They just need some motivation and a little TLC.
- Students don’t always make smart decisions.
- Students are respectful and responsible. I didn’t have one discipline problem in my class all year.
- The pen is mightier than the sword. Chuck Norris is mightier than the pen.
- Students are patient and forgiving. I have rough days too and my students always understood.
- The government’s idea of “accountability” is seriously broken. Don’t get me started.
- My politically “liberal” co-workers are wonderful and caring people. I enjoyed working with them. Contrary to what people think (including Uncle Glenn) they are not Satan’s Servants. They really love their students. I thankful that my co-workers are such great examples to me.
- I hate texting.
- I still enjoy being around teenagers!
I’m not sure how many years I’ll be doing this public teaching thing. I respect all those teachers who have stuck with it. The paperwork and bureaucracy can wear you down at times. I’m just thankful that I get to be around teens eight hours a day. It is all great ministry preparation, but more importantly I think it is ministry.