Make a Difference

I'm always curious about the map of my life and what my future might bring.  Yes, I am an educator, but will this be a lifelong occupation?  Will I always have the urge and desire to offer guidance to children?  More importantly, am I comfortable enough in the public school system to cement myself there indefinitely?  I'm not sure.

Tonight, I caught the very last moments of the National News.  My favorite bit is "Making a Difference," which was about seniors tutoring elementary level students in reading.  The 3rd grader was bright-eyed when talking about his "improving" reading level.  I jotted down the company, The Experience Corps, and wondered what if this is where I'm headed?  I said aloud to Matt, "That would be the best job!"

I'm wondering why the idea of tutoring is more interesting than the concept of teaching right now.  I see the major difference as telling vs. coaching.  I would much rather coach children along, or act as a tour guide to life's problems and pitfalls.  When I have these moments at work, my glass is full to the brim.  I get so caught up with the importance of the telling (ie: SOLs) that I lose sight of coaching my students.  I absolutely cannot let that happen.  At least not everyday.