I have recently been given a glimpse of many a teacher’s life through “Up the Down Staircase, ” a book that was written in the 60’s but according to the teachers in my book club, still applies today. Echoing the sentiments of most newbies at their first professional job, this fictionL teacher is bombarded by new tasks and strange practices. However, most jobs don’t also add the role of teaching 45 new students at the same time every hour. I was impressed by the great tasks taken on by these brave New York City teachers at the schools truly identified by number, not name, since there are or were so many. The human spirit is strong at times, takes on so much, and thrives in challenging settings even, in this book. At the same time, it’s easy to read through the text, that these individuals forsake much to give to others; good pay, time to themselves, even a small window to go to the restroom is frequently lost to a rude parent coming during the short break between periods. However, the reason so many of these givers stay in the role of teacher seems to be that there is something in the giving that returns, subtle as it may seem at times. I like hearing about the passion behind, the hope within even when most students were failing, and the belief that kids have important things to say. I loved reading about the impossible tasks asked of the teachers, because I could groan along with them about the red tape of so many jobs that seems so daft and wasteful. Of course I groan with them for this loss of precious time, but I see the teacher here persevere despite, and red tape policies will always be around as long as there are controlling people to dole it out. Basically, forever. Teachers are some of the best breed around, typically, and I hope I get the time and chance to work as one, one day, hopefully with fewer students.
