Today at lunch I was talking to my co-teacher at the high school about the interview process. We discussed a few colleagues we knew going through it, how we went through it, and what makes a good candidate.
After lunch I continued to think about my whopping 9 interviews my first year out of school. I think having that many means that I had something to offer, but it wasn't until I opened up and put all of myself on the table that I got the job. I distinctly remember my interview for my current job. I was so desperate to be hired. At the end of the interview when they asked me if I had anything else to tell them, I just told them the truth. I said that I knew I didn't have much experience, but that I was going to be good at it- because it's too important to mess it up. It only takes one band musical experience to end a child's enthusiasm for music indefinitely.
I was thinking about this today because I am entering stress mode considering my 3 concerts and a competition in the next 3 weeks. Additional stress is coming from attempting to collaborate with people that just don't have it together. It's always been a fine line for me between perfectionism and crazy, but it's because I love what I do and it's important to me. It's important to me that the kids have the best opportunities possible.
I think the kids know this about me. Today when I was on the line, my usually chaotic class was pretty darn cute. I forget that they can see everything on my face. They commented on my crazy mood and cracked a few jokes. It makes me smile that they care.
When I started teaching I knew that I would love doing music everyday. I did not know how much I would love building relationships with kids. I am proud to claim that most of my students are mine. Even the ones that I see frequently in the ISS room. I've got a few that confided in me while they were in there and now we have a positive relationship when I see them in the halls or after school. It seems that kids just need to be heard, and they need to feel like you care.
In short:
"While we try to teach our children all about life,
Our children teach us what life is all about."
~Angela Schwindt
I started teaching preschool again today. Just to one adorable 3 year old boy in his home. Please remind me to tell you about his backpack and car (to get him to school, of course). Cute freaking city.
ReplyDeleteI remember how your band kids looked at you in STL. They adored you. You listen to them and I know you'd never mess that up.