A few minutes ago I received the following. And after an entertaining read… it seemed only fair to reproduce it here. Funny? Definitely. True? Also. Let everyone draw their own conclusions and think whatever they like.
A TEACHER’S JOB DESCRIPTION
Spot cavities, hearing problems, flat feet, personality issues, emotional gaps… and when you get home with little squatters in your hair… lice!!
Play mum and dad to kids starved of affection, without having the right to be affected by it yourself. Take Enrique to get patched up and leave the rest of the class unattended. Hold a thousand and one meetings to explain to parents and pupils that the administration won’t be sending a substitute.
Go on school trips or field trips, work 24 hours a day for free, be responsible for everything that happens and, on top of that, pay for your own kids’ babysitter.
Teach across different levels, have 200 pupils, know every one of them (first and last names), motivate them and guide them.
Make, restore, laminate… the classroom materials.
Do your research, plan your lessons, prepare the materials, keep up with new textbooks, hold meetings with families, and, at night, mark exams and homework.
Coordinate with the other cycles, levels and departments.
Want to keep your training up to date during school hours, and end up having to do it in your free time, out of your own pocket.
Work as a substitute for 15 days in early years education in Fuenteovejuna, 1 month in Osasuna, 3 months in the special-needs classroom in Villacarrillo, and the rest of the time teaching English in Motril.
Know IT, psychology, art, building maintenance, typing, minute-taking, school records, how to clean the mimeograph machine, fix the photocopier, unclog the toilet, and fill out all the assignment paperwork…
On top of that, add having to act as a psychologist for the parents, listening to their relationship problems, divorces, infidelities, abuse, alcoholism, etc.
All without having the right to have problems of your own, because as everyone knows, teachers are always happy — problems are for other people.
What’s more, teachers generally shouldn’t expect thanks or recognition for all their work — being a parent-psychologist-carer-nurse-educator… doesn’t deserve a ’thank you’, since that’s what we’re paid for, and above all, that’s what we have… holidays… lots of holidays!!
Nor should we forget the threats from parents, the insults and even the physical attacks… well, not just from parents, from some of the kids too, all without having any right to defend yourself.
And God forbid you ever do…
And… even so, we love our profession!
HAPPY DAY TO EVERYONE, AND ESPECIALLY TO YOU IF YOU’RE A TEACHER!
Ciao, stronk7 🙂