Educator Jose Lalas from Corona, California, posted an inspirational holiday message to his fellow teachers. Red it here. Photo credit: Jose Lalas.
I recently came across this post on Facebook written by Jose Lalas, an educator in Corona, California. Since the author invited teachers to copy and paste, I have done so. I share it now with you:
I AM A TEACHER and very proud of it! (many of us become teacher educators). And some of us earned the rank of full-professor with tenure.
I went to college, got a four year degree. Then I got a Master’s degree. Some of us even got a PhD or an EdD.
I endured state testing.
I was finger printed and background checked.
I trained before, during, and after my training/ education.
I continue to train because I am a lifelong learner.
Since full time employment, I have sacrificed time, sleep, and Family.
I have sacrificed my own money year after year to provide for my students.
I am a teacher.
I have learned, lasted, endured change, endured further change, and endured orders to embrace the change.
While you were sleeping, I have corrected papers and tests, researched and created, and endured harassing phone calls and emails with grace and professionalism.
I teach the kids who live on your streets.
I teach the kids that have been bailed out of jail.
I teach the kids who have been kicked out of psychiatric centers because they were beyond help.
I teach the kids whose home situations you could never imagine even in your worst nightmares.
I teach ALL students no matter their socio-economic status, race, ethnicity, medical/ psychiatric condition, good or poor attitude, religion, family circumstances.
When accused by the federal and state government for being part of a failing system,
I endure name calling, shame, and criticism simply because I am a teacher.
I am professionally evaluated on test scores and not the amount of time and effort I put into my teaching.
And despite it all,
I AM a teacher
And devoted to this noble calling.
Thank You to All my fellow educators!
