Once a Teacher…..

     Once upon a time, many years ago, I was a teacher.   I went on maternity leave after my first was born with the idea that at some point I would return to the classroom.   Two years later, I had another child and the idea of going back to work was put on the back burner.  I finally realized that as an older mom, with some past medical issues, I just didn’t have the energy to pull off the demands of teaching and raising my 2 girls.  Fortunately my husband’s income is enough for us to live on.   I have volunteered in the elementary school for the past few years, but there has always the gnawing feeling of wanting to do more.  I toyed with the various ways I could volunteer in the community, and finally decided on the best fit for me.  I have become a Literacy Volunteer.

     I was a high school science teacher, but reading is a whole new subject.  I have finished the training and am only beginning this new experience.   What is enjoyable is realizing that all the training and skill I acquired during my working days has risen to the surface.   It has been there all along, lying dormant, waiting for an opportunity.  The planning of a lesson, and deciding on what methods to use, has awoken all the abilities I possessed as a classroom teacher.  It has been a reminder of why I became a teacher in the first place.   It was always to help individuals realize their true potential and to guide them towards a productive future.

     Confidentiality is required in the process.   I would never share personal information, so I will not be giving any specific updates.  My hope is that I can help people better theirs lives by improving their ability to read and write.   Those who dedicate their lives to teaching are not in it for the pay, the hours, awards, or recognition. They do it because they understand the value of an education and how it can better the lives of future generations.   They do it because they have compassion, patience, dedication, and revel in the joy of learning.   It doesn’t matter if the student load is 20, 100, or in my case 1.   An individual, who becomes a teacher, is a teacher for life. It is a vocation and calling that is more than just a job.  I have come to understand the reality of once you become a teacher, you will always be a teacher.  I am happy for the return.

Ahhh…..Summer

     Get up.  Get dressed.  Eat your breakfast.  Did you brush your teeth and comb your hair? Make your bed?   Did you put your lunch in your backpack?  Do I have to sign anything?  Do you have your homework and books?  Let’s get down to the bus stop.  The school day starts.

     Get off the bus or get picked up.   Some days involve after-school activities.  All have homework that needs to get done.  Have a snack, do homework, eat dinner, read, brush teeth, go to bed.  The school day ends.  (This is the abbreviated version.)

     This is just a small sample of a typical day of a child who goes to school.  While often fun, it has moments of being hectic and tiring.  There are some educational experts who promote the benefits of year round schooling.  While there is little doubt that many would gain from learning on a continual basis, there is much to be said for the few months of reprieve that the summer offers.

     Even though there are still some activities to attend, they don’t start so early in the day.  The pace is slower and relaxed. There is more time to spend swimming, hiking, playing games, and attending outdoor events.  There is time to read books for enjoyment. There is time to visit local farms, museums, small towns and big cities.  There is time to spend with your kids that doesn’t involve being constantly in the car or trying to get all that is required done.

     Summer remains a season for all ages.  Despite the heat, many people have wonderful memories of summers past.  Everyone seems to have childhood experiences and events they fondly remember.  It can be as simple as going out for their favorite ice cream, or a big vacation they took one year.  There are graduation parties, weddings, and family reunions.  Some remember jobs or internships.  Mostly, we remember the days of warmer temperatures, gardens, beaches, barbecues, and the long days of sunlight that lifts our spirit.

     Summer is a season of simplicity.  It brings people out and together and allows time for what the rest of the year doesn’t seem to allow.   No matter how what you do, have fun, stay cool, and make those memories that last a lifetime.  September will be here before you know it.

Reading the News in Print

     I started reading the local newspaper around the age of 12.   During my middle and high school years, I enjoyed reading articles that pertained to my school, organizations and events that revolved around youth, and of course, the comics.  As I grew into adulthood, the news took on a different significance.  Local and world politics, education and health issues, environmental and economic concerns, all started to attract my attention.  The media provides a plethora of opportunities to tune in, search, scan, and highlight breaking news. Top stories are readily available.  In the newspaper are stories presented  many of us might never see.  This is the value of the printed page.

    Local newspapers provide the community with information regarding schools, town government, religious, and social happenings.  They allow for in-depth reporting.  I acquire most information on local issues in this manner.  Social media and local internet sites provide some content, but it has yet to match the detail in the newspaper.  It is also presented in a timely manner so there are no last minute surprises regarding issues or items that need addressing.

   National and international stories are also included in the daily postings.  Television and the internet usually focus on the major issues of the day.  The newspaper is able to devote more time and space to stories that aren’t on the front burner.  I find it interesting and educational when I discover a new issue, place, or happening.  I can’t get all of that in one place on the computer.  On a day when I don’t get an opportunity to read the paper, I get an uneasy feeling that I might have missed something.

   The issue of accuracy of reporting also comes into play.  There have been many instances of false information being disseminated in an effort to be first.  “Exclusive” and “Breaking” are terms television news shows use often.  They say this as a method of punctuating the fact that they know something others don’t.  There have been many instances when the rush to be first led to the reporting of misinformation.  The newspaper doesn’t have the luxury of being first.  As a result, by the time the story is in print, most of the details have been examined and reported as fact.  There are times when a retraction or correction is required, but the overall track record is acceptable in terms of giving us the right information.

   More and more, newspapers are downsizing both physically and literally.  Some have gone completely over to a digital format.  Downward sales are blamed for the change.  Young people gravitate to interactive media and many never open a newspaper.   I don’t want to see a total demise in my lifetime.  I want to be able to read it while waiting in an office, at a coffeehouse, or on the train.   I want to enjoy the 20 minutes of quiet time as I eat lunch and catch up on the day.  I hope I will always be able to walk down the drive in the morning, and pick up that daily paper.  I wouldn’t want to start my day without it.