As we get closer to the end of the year, my 'traditional' school teacher career is winding up. After 20 years -13 full time, 7 part time (as I was blessed to be a stay at home mama) it feels very strange to know that the door will close on this period of my life very soon. Am I going to miss it? Oh my goodness, more than I can admit! Those little loves, with their gorgeous little faces take up a massive chunk of my heart and I will so miss seeing them each day. They are my teachers, and boy, have they taught me so much over the years. The INCREDIBLE hard working, heart giving colleagues who boost each other up when the job gets too much! The amazing Principals who have helped to guide and shape my teaching, backing and supporting me and helping me to grow as a teacher. I will also always be so grateful to the wonderful parents, some of whom have become friends, who have lent me their little darlings over the years. Teaching is a huge part of who I am!
The challenges in the classroom have been immense, rewarding and ongoing. There is without doubt a huge gap in the system that many kids are straddling, some successfully, and others less so. Those children who struggle in mainstream, but aren't deemed "high needs" enough to fit into other systems. What happens to them? How will they achieve success in a system that doesn't work for them? Change needs to happen, not only for their sake, but the sake of underfunded schools who are trying their best, but sadly, failing - not only these children, but the others in the class - who inevitably miss out due to teachers and resources being stretched in all directions.
This article sums up a lot of what is happening in most classrooms around NZ
I don't have all the answers, and I so wish I did!
As I move out of 4 walls, and spend more time in my classroom without walls, I feel hopeful.
Hopeful that children will soon be able to be educated in ways that suit them, rather than being limited to a system which doesn't always allow their talents and passions to shine.
Love and light
Kathy
