Year Two...

So, one of the things they never tell you when you set out to become a teacher (the complete tonnage of what they don't tell you when you set out to become a teacher is enough to stun a team of oxen) is that, if you have any free time, most of it will probably be spent doing teacher-related things. Grading term papers, planning grammar lessons, organizing student-centered activities (that won't leave said students either a) completely confused, or, b) in a zombie-like stupor) ends up eating up a lot of your evenings, weekends, midterm breaks, etc. As such, certain things fall by the wayside. Remembering to update your teaching blog suddenly becomes less important than making sure you have twelve Vocabulary Power books graded by Wednesday's class (or, honestly, if you remembered to buy light bulbs and/or feed yourself that day). 

I have been remiss in updating here, but for a very good reason: I love what I'm doing.

Honestly. That's the reason.

It's been four consecutive terms since I've written anything in this blog, and I feel that I have grown so much as an instructor in the interim. I have been extremely fortunate to have the support of a great teaching staff, to have access to engaging materials and curricula, and to have had an active and engaging line-up of students over the last year. I have entered 2012 -- my second full year of ESL instruction -- with a lot of tough lessons learned, experiences gained, and memories made. I enjoy going into work in the morning for the very real reason that I enjoy teaching, and that I have ended up getting back so much more from my students than I initially thought I might. 

Giving your life and heart to something means sacrificing other things. And if a blog has to get a little dusty because of it, then I'm okay with that. 

Now, where did I put those light bulbs?