The end of my teaching career

I'm currently on the train ride from Amsterdam to Cologne and with nothing better to do, I thought I'll write a post. Last Friday was my last day of supply teaching in the UK after two years, but it also marked the end of my teaching career after five years. I originally thought I would feel a sense of relief, but unfortunately that was not the case. 

I still remember how I lost my passion for teaching back home,  and was dreading supply teaching in London. However, teaching in the UK was one of the most enjoyable periods during my teaching career. I loved the unknown challenges of potential classrooms I would teach in, I appreciated the diverse cultures and learning abilities of my students, and I love how I was given the opportunity to teach the full range of classes; nursery all the way up to year 6!

One thing I gained out of supply teaching, is self confidence, which I clearly lacked back home. I know I am a lot more capable than I thought I was. This was acknowledged throughout the numerous schools I worked at; they gave me positive comments and quite often requested me back. 

The students I have taught over the years have varied, some were way more challenging then others, but I guess that was what kept me on my feet. I especially loved teaching the younger children; their sense of curiosity and innocence always brings a smile to my face!

So what does the future hold after ending my teaching career? To be honest, I'm not really sure. Hopefully I can transfer my skills across to a new career path, but I am sure it will not be in the classroom. I would still like do something related to education but office based. Throw in a job linked to a charity with a reasonable salary, and you can let me know where to sign!

As they say; when one door closes, another one opens. This shall hopefully relate to my employment prospects...

Music- The World's Greatest by R. Kelly

One day, I was supply teaching and was taking my students into the hall for a special assembly. As our class entered the hall, this song was being played in the background. The students were told that a teacher was leaving, and as a surprise, the whole school will be singing this song to the teacher on her last day. As the students begin to sing the song as a rehearsal, it started giving me chills up my spine. It doesn't do justice with me telling you this; it has to be something you have to experience yourself in a hall with 500 students singing this song together.

It gave me memories of when I left my teaching post in Geraldton. I remember the principal calling out myself and some of my fellow teachers to the front of the assembly. I recall how sad it was to be at the front. If the school sang this song to me at that moment, I'll probably be crying my head off and it doesn't matter whether I am a guy or not.

Teaching has given me a mixture of good and bad memories (mostly good). Although I am regaining my passion through supply teaching in London, I can't see myself having my own classroom again. Last week I was offered a teaching position for the next academic year for a school I have been doing supply with, as the deputy said she was impressed with what I was doing. However, I rejected the offer.  There is too much pressure from others and myself to be a teacher. I don't want to relive what I went through last year and how depressed I was in my job.
I do put my hats off to all teachers around the world and I do think that we are ONE of the greatest professions in this world (as perfectly described by this song)!