Internship

Welcome to the first years of teaching. Here are a few short stories to share the  pain and funny of the first years of being an educator in an unforgiving and thankless job. 

     My journey into teaching began with an internship at a local elementary school, along with six other aspiring educators. We were part of an alternative licensing program, a motley crew striving to make our mark. It was in this setting that I embarked on a learning adventure, one that brought me joy and unforgettable moments.

     I began my internship in the world of 5th graders, navigating the tumultuous seas of pre-adolescence. I soon found myself in the delightful realm of 1st graders, where innocence and mischief held hands. It was a rollercoaster of an experience, and I reveled in every twist and turn.

     Then came the sheer hilarity of my first full week of "solo-teaching." It was that magical moment when you don your metaphorical big boy pants and run the classroom for two whole weeks. What a riot it turned out to be! I remember it vividly: I had just collected my students from art class, and I was leading them in an orderly parade back to our room. I was feeling like the king of pedagogical prowess, basking in the warm glow of their thoughtfulness, kindness, and remarkable silence.

     And then, just as I thought I was reaching the zenith of my teaching career, it happened. A little rascal, let's call him "Little Billy," decided to entertain the class with an impromptu mooning performance. I looked up just in time to witness his full moonlit extravaganza, a sight I was definitely not prepared for. With a mix of astonishment and amusement, I asked the young artist what in the world he was doing.

     His response, however, was nothing short of classic: "Making poor choices." I couldn't help but chuckle, even as I had to make the responsible adult decision and send him to the principal's office. Filling out the referral paperwork was a mixture of professional duty and suppressed laughter.

     As I sat there, still trying to stifle a smile, the principal paid me a visit and delivered the quintessential phrase, "Welcome to teaching." It was in that moment that I realized the wonderful chaos and humor that comes with molding young minds. Little Billy had given me a memorable initiation into the world of education, and I couldn't help but be secretly proud of his audacious spirit. It was a lesson in itself: teaching is not just about textbooks and lessons, but also about embracing the unexpected and, at times, the downright hilarious.