Gratitude For Teaching

Is it Gratitude or Butterflies that I am feeling? I am not sure!

This evening I will start the new semester at Brookdale Community college. I have been teaching there in 1996 (I think). I teach technical courses like computer programming in languages like Pascal (years ago!), VB.net, C++, JavaScript, HTML, and this semester will be Systems Analysis and Design.

As I started to write, I have gratitude for being able to influence, shape, and mold the students that want to be transformed. This can be a challenge sometimes seeing as this is a required course. Did I mention that it is also a lot of work for them? And group work (something most students do not like to do!)

All in all, I still project my gratitude to my students and the effort they will put forth. In the past, there have been challenges for me with this course (I taught it 3 semesters ago). There was a group that did not attend when they were supposed to present (that hurts their grade!). There was a case of academic dishonesty (which is not fun to confront students about), and one of the most difficult challenges is that the course starts at 7 pm and runs til 9:40 pm! That can be late for a bunch of people who are working full time to begin with!

By dealing with these challenges, I can push myself further to learn and grow. Generally, I do not teach the same course semester after semester. I like to have the variety to prepping for a new class and needing to be sharp and prepared for class. I enjoy learning new concepts or re-learning after a while (see this post here).

But again, I do this for the enjoyment, for the satisfaction, and for the joy I get from teaching. Surely this is one thing which brings me gratitude! And by looking at the favorable things, any ‘negatives’ are easily dealt with.

Be Well.
Paul.
The Gratitude Guru