Always a Teacher at Heart

It's funny how I miss teaching already when I haven't actually left it yet.

I saw a student care class in operation when I was out today, and as I watched the students yelling, screaming and shoving each other around in play with one passer-by remarking, "No manners!!" whilst the student care teacher gingerly and placidly tried to get the kids back into the centre... I started imagining me walking briskly into the classroom with my students in line behind me, armed with my book bag and markers, ready to greet the children with great energy and push through the school year with immense vigour...To move through the various events in the school year with zest and guide the children along - forming a close bond with them and enjoying the learning process with all of them.

Oh God. I miss teaching already!

Then as I entered Popular Bookshop where for the past few years, I was inclined to spend hundreds of dollars at yearly, buying resources for my teaching...I suddenly realised with a great sense of loss that I had nothing to buy! For once, stationary would be provided at my new workplace. For once, no need for me to browse through all the newly published assessment books. No need for school supplies...

I miss teaching.

Then there were all those friends and acquaintances who would ask me for advice on their school-going kids...I realised I was going to really leave teaching for a good while!

Then again, change is such. I am excited about my new job, but at the same time, my bond with teaching will always be there. And I can't help but feel that I will always be a teacher at heart. Thankfully, there will always be opportunities to teach and to learn - not just in the classroom - but everywhere we go, in whatever we do.