I think that part of the problem is that a lot of people simply are not cut out to be teachers. They waltz in with the idea of cute little tykes gazing up at them adoringly while they share their wisdom.
That's not reality.
Teaching your own kids is, in a way, very easy. Because you love them you look for solutions and ways to help. You usually don't feel the same connection to kids that are not your own. You aren't inclined to put the effort in. People who can do that have "the heart of a teacher" and they are all to rare.
You have it. Others don't.
Good pearls of wisdom. I do think that some people in too many situations (talking about life here) don't look for wasy to solve things, but look to do the blame game, emphasize the negative, and whatnot.
But you are SOOOO right. You have to know what's real. That's why I've become a little more adaptive and flexible over the years. Some things are just not worith it to get too upset about and you move on with life. I've realized long ago that I hardly will ever get my way (if I had a penny for all the times things haven't gone my way, I'd be a zillionaire), but I try to learn from the roadblocks and use them to make myself a better person.
Some people expect to get their way every time and for people to bend to their will, go after people who disagree with them, pass the buck, and so on. And that happens in all walks of life or on any side of politics.
I have learned long ago that as a teacher, I'm not going to satisy everyone. It's near impossible (with 75 very different personalities to deal with every year). I just try the best I can.
I put in the time because I can (uh-oh, I'm not waxing Clinton-esque, don't worry:). Many teachers are busy with their own children, other jobs and responsibilities, and so on. There are some here who take care of sick relatives and other things. I see it with parents too. Some just don't have all the time they would like to (who does?). I don't have any children of my own and my wife is quite busy on her own. I can afford to give a little more time than the average bear. It also helps that I live in the neighborhood. I couldn't put in as much time when I had a 2 hour commute each way some years ago as well as a second job.
BUT you do have one thing wrong--I count my students as my kids. That remains one of the big black holes in my life--that I have not been able to have the blessed opportunity to raise my own child. It's something that gnaws at me every day and that I ache for every day and something that I pray for every day. I see so many wonderful parents and the experiences they have with their children (as well as the ones my parents and we kids had) and I yearn for that as well. As the years go by, that feeling gets more urgent. I am still some years off from maybe adopting, but in the meantime instead of sitting there feeling sorry for myself, I try to do my best to serve others' children and realize how much God has blessed me. I have so much. It amazes me that he gives such a dumdum as me so many stinking (literally) chances.
I sure do appreciate your comments. People like you are what keep me going.