We worry about whether we are enough. Whether we plan enough, whether we know enough, do we grow enough or are we outdated? We worry about whether we are reaching them, teaching them, and always making them feel like they can do it, like they matter, like they belong. We worry because that is what teachers do. Did we do enough? Did we listen enough? Did we let them speak, find their voice, share their passion? Did we uncover their talents and boost their weaknesses? How will they remember school? How will they remember us? Will it matter all of the tears, the time, the trouble we went through so that they knew they were important?
I know I am not superwoman, and nor would I ever want to be. Superwoman isn’t human, she is too busy to sit down and listen to a story or see a lightbulb moment. Superwoman has to save the world and my shoulders cannot carry that. So I would rather be human, be me, be here in this classroom, at this time, working with these students. Being there for them, catching the moments, guiding and stepping back. Letting them fail and learning with them. I would rather be me, thankful for this time, for this moment, for these challenges that I know I can carry. Superwoman cannot invest, but I can, and I do, every day, every moment, even after they are gone. They are my children and I grow with them. That is what teachers do.
Pernille Ripp 
Humanity and humility. Two things we can offer that no one can do when they wear a mask and save the world.
Hmmm…maybe I need to change my avatar… 😉
Great post as usual. In Judaism we believe all people have free choice. Angels we believe do not therefore they are spiritual robots of sorts. Rabbi Dr Twerski wrote a book "Angels Don't Leave Footprints" his point was that only human begins can have an impact in this world and leave their mark or if you will their footprint.
In my first year of teaching, I tried to be perfect and of course as any first year teacher will tell you….the year totally ate me up and then spat me out in little chunks! But, students from that year tell me what a great year they had. I am convinced that it is because they viewed me as another human trying to navigate Planet Earth and NOT as the Superwoman I was trying to be. I was learning along side them….and it was a great and at times difficult partnership. If only I could remember this when I am trying to do 6 things to perfection in my classroom at the moment! Thanks for such a wonderful post!
humanity is another thing or human is another!
This is very appropriate for where I am at in the year. I never feel like I am doing enough to be the best teacher possible, but in that I am not being the best me. Thanks for saying it out loud for me.