I'm a teacher. My profession and my families income base is gained from this job. I enjoy going to work and feel I have found a fulfilling and I love hearing from former students who are accomplishing their dreams and giving back to their community as well as those who did not find their path smooth.
I had a conversation recently that made me think about some of students who have come through my classroom over the years whose path was very challenging. I was asked the whether it was part of my professional requirement as a teacher to care or worry about their life and situation outside of their day at school.
My short answer is: How can I not care and worry?
I began to think about the job description and I wondered if the job could even be done if a teacher's performance was limited to the presentation of objectives, SLT targets and the collection of assessment data as well as the growth of the measured goals, performance tasks and objectives? Yes there are requirements for management, safety and "best practices" but a requirement to care?
While it may not be mandated, how can I teach when some come in the door with anger, growling stomachs or just the need to know someone values them (do I matter?).
It is necessary? What happens away from school is a part of who they are and what they experience in this life. Therefore it has to matter. Am I required by contract or professional job description to listen to a students who is hurting over the loss of a pet or and impending move? I don't see it in the contract. Is it necessary? Absolutely.
