Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Heart of a Teacher
This chapter was especially poignant for me because it addressed an issue that I am working through now in my vocation. I feel I do a good job at listening to the voice of the teacher within when I am with my students teaching or creating lesson plans. I often lose pieces of that in the wider school community. That is where I ALLOW the external expectations placed on me by collegues or administration to distort and cloud my identity. When I place their expectations above listening to my inner voice I become confused, anxious and lose my true integrity. At the time I feel I am "helping out", saying "yes" when my principal wants me to take on one more thing and also it usually benefits the students. But, as the text stated so clearly, often these "oughts" end up being a place of intersection between my inner self and the outer world and become someone else's image of what my calling should be. This chapter reaffirms the value of attending to the voice within. Creating time for solitude, silence, meditation will help to ground me and bring back to my consciousness the clarity to distinguish between "ought" and "calling". It helps me to remember that vocation is "the place where deep gladness and the world's hunger meet." This also gives me courage in saying "no" when that is the healthiest answer, despite other people's desired response or expectation. Very empowering chapter!!
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Thank you for your honesty! I do not think you are alone with this struggle - I also loved this section of Palmer. I am so grateful it helped you to find courage to say no and stay true to your self!
ReplyDeleteYes, Angie, great insight for your growth as a teacher. Setting boundaries is difficult especially when we want to please others, and have others like us. My confessor talked about being a cheerful giver!!! I know when we are being true to our identity and doing things that are life-giving, that freedom is felt by you and brings forth much fruit for your students and the school community. The joy will definitely be there!!!!
ReplyDeleteAngie I am so glad that is chapter meant so much too you. I think as teachers/educators we tend to have the desire to please. I too sometimes feel as if I take too much onto my plate and then I am overwhelmed. Sometimes it is hard to set the boundaries for ourselves. We want to be able to help everyone, but it is also good to help ourselves sometimes and just let someone else take over. Although it is not in us, it is important that sometimes we take the backseat and let someone else drive while we enjoy the ride. You seem to give so much of yourself to your school and students they are very lucky to have you.
ReplyDeleteThank you Angie for your deep sharing. I appreciate you for your courage to share the crises you are experiencing as a teacher. It is great that you are aware of what is happening within you and you know what you should be doing. Many teachers are not aware what happens to them as they teach. Parker Palmer does affirm the need to strengthen our calling as teachers through various means that feed our souls. At the same time of this conflict between "calling" and "ought" we need to find a delicate balance.
ReplyDeleteSomehow Catholic elementary school teachers do sooo much more than their high school or public school colleagues! While we teach who we are in the classroom, we also need to be aware of how the school educates the whole child. As a result, we are asked to do more around campus to help educate the whole child and build up the community. Boundaries and limits are important, especially since you are a wife and mother. When I was teaching in junior high, I was single, so I could (and did) spend lots of extra time at school...
ReplyDeleteAngie, when I read your post I feel so
ReplyDeleteconnected with what you said...( so in case that you do not read what I post I just going to put it here ;)....
Eventhough Ihad time during my prayer time, I have realized that it has been affected. am eager to do a lot of thing in the school for the sake of serving others that sometimes I do not even realized that sometimes the best that I can do it is to say NO, I can’t. (Precious balance) because when it comes time to meditation or reflection my body it is so tired. I was moved by a quote that a few months I read by Saint Elizabeth Seton “Never be hurried by anything whatever - nothing can be more pressing than the necessity for your peace before God. You will help others more by the peace and tranquility of your heart than by any eagerness or care you can bestow on them."