…read all over?

I do not believe that anyone is really, wholly a professional in what they do if he or she are not, too, an amateur.

An amateur is a person who does what they does what they do for the love of it. The word was coined toward the end of the 18th century in France.

Remember, as well, that a profession, in the sense commonly used in our culture is only the third or fourth definition, attributed to the word. The first have to do with making vows, keeping vows, and communities where such things are done.

If being an educator is a professional, no teacher is truly a professional unless they are an amateur, too.

I think of what brings true joy to me in my life as a teacher and it is all about being fulfilled, not paid. When there are dry times, a check does not bring rain. When there is a peak experience for my students and me, it is not because of what I earned or the scholarly article I’ll be able to write about it.

How about you?

When I’m not at the top of my form…

I need to post. I need to get out of this fix that I’m in. Whether I change jobs or not, I have to stop being wrapped up in what’s going on in my life and my career, and be ready for those who need me to be ready for them.

I’ve been trying to find a position in technology since the end of my first year as an English teacher at Hinsdale High in Hinsdale New Hampshire. I love being in the classroom. Every student is special for me. I feel  for them and with them as we move through this existential drama called life in the metaphor of education.

However, it looks like I am again going to fail to get a position anywhere in technology. Eight of them will be either left unfilled or dissolved in the HUGE fuel cost increases. And I have a terrible case of the “poor me’s”. I have almost completed my pre-school year preps to continue as a teacher in Hinsdale, but I have to recommit.

I can’t, however, because there’s still one more slim chance that a position may be offered to me. I know this will seem petty to anyone who reads. In fact, it is petty to me, but I’m in a terrible funk, and, one way or another, I have to get out of it. I have to get out of it for the sake of each student with whom I’ll be studying, their folks, my colleagues, and especially my dear, sweet wife.

Have you ever been in a predicament like this?