When I decided to become an Elementary School Teacher, a lot of people laughed at me. Some even told me I was making the biggest mistake of my life. And some called me one of the worst things you can call an early education teacher: Glorified Babysitter. THAT was a shot right to the chest. I can't believe that came out of someone's mouth, and so nonchalantly. But no one understands that being an elementary school teacher is so much more than watching children all day.
I am in a five-year master’s program, working my butt off to make sure I know everything I need to know about teaching your future children. There’s more going on in an elementary school classroom than just some play time and coloring pictures. I’m responsible for making sure your child can read, spell, write, add, subtract, know proper classroom etiquette, and how to be a productive member of society. PLUS it has to occur at precise moments because their mental processes are still developing.
Teachers have to know everything about their students. We have to know likes, dislikes, strengths, weaknesses, and anything going on at home. Our observations can detect things such as learning and/or mental disabilities and help refine our teaching practices to meet the needs of your child. I’m responsible for making sure your child knows everything they need to know to move on to the next grade and be successful.
You might tell me that younger grades have a lot of playtime. And I’d tell you that there isn’t enough. The worldwide average for playtime in elementary school is 26 minutes per day. 26 minutes. Play time is extremely important for emotional and social development, helping kids figure out their roles in the world and where they fit in. It’s important that children have time to play for creativity development and self-expression. The kids can work out things going on with them and to make sense of the big picture. But when play is shortened, children get restless in the classroom and make it all harder on me.
Maybe you don’t understand because you’re not in the classroom. But there’s so much more than just playing with kids when you’re an elementary school teacher. It’s not all arts and crafts and Barbie dolls. I’m the person starting your kid on their path to whatever it is you want them to be. So, the next time you want to insult someone’s career path, think about what goes into it. Think about the training they have to do to be considered qualified. And when it comes to elementary education, think about what you want your children to become. When your child ends up in all honors, did they play the whole time in kindergarten? Or did they develop the foundations needed to succeed?
