Chapter 7

I dont know if there was a better way to sum up this book. While reading I felt so overwhelmed because there was so much I needed to do as a teacher, but at the same time I felt like it was very important that I understand that I cant do all of it at once. I really loved how she sympathizes with teachers. She understands how hard this job is and then gives us reasons why it is so hard. But in the end I didnt feel hopeless. I knew I could do it. I think what she's trying to get across is that these things WILL happen and what matters is how we react and what we are going to change to make it better for the future.

I think my most favorite part of the entire reading was one paragraph. I think it just put everything together. "The more willing we are to take risks, the better lives our students are likely to become, and the greater fullfillment we are likely to feel at the end of the day." There are so many things that as teachers we are obligated to do. How much are we willing to risk for the students we love and want to grow? In the end, what matters most? Is it that the all the material gets taught and they all pass the test? Or is it that the students learn and grow into something amazing that no one ever dreamed of being possible? I think by teaching for the students instead of to the student the things that they need to learn, as far as tests go, will come. It might take being a little more patient, but I can do that. Another thing I loved was where it said "We honor learners by caring for them as they are and simultaneously expecting more of them."

Im not done learning how to be a teacher. I dont think that I will ever be done. Every experience and every student will teach me something that I didnt know before. The hard part is actually being open to those little things that will change lives.