Have you ever seen the movie Mr. Holland’s Opus? Richard Dreyfuss stars as the main character, Glen Holland, a musician who has taken a teaching position as he continues to work at his real profession – writing music. The movie follows his career as an educator always longing to be more than a teacher… to be a composer of incredible songs. Most days, I can really identify with Mr. Holland.
I had many reasons for choosing to be a teacher. I am passionate about my subject, and I am equally passionate about teenagers. I truly love my students. The problem is, I have been trying to leave the classroom for years. I actually did quit teaching for a couple of years, but I ended up returning to the classroom.
When I was ten, I experienced something very real to me. I knew then that God was calling me to spend my life investing in others. For years, I have felt that I was to be in full-time ministry. I have done bi-vocational ministry (that is where you put in full-time hours for part-time pay) off and on for years, and I was even full-time for a while. These ministry jobs just haven’t worked out for me. Either I totally suck at hearing the voice of God when I think He is leading us to serve a church, or He has just never led us to one for an extended period of time. Maybe I have been focusing in the wrong direction. Maybe my ministry is supposed to be in the classroom.
My web browser opens to relevantmagazine.com when I open it. Tonight, I stumbled across an article titled “Right on Track” that talks about the opportunity teachers have to influence their students. The author states
In the last week you probably sat at a restaurant or in your living room with some friends and someone said, “I had a teacher one time…” and they launched into a story that had everyone rolling with laughter…
Then, there is usually at least one teacher who when we remember him or her, we pause for a moment and think about how life would have been so different if he or she hadn’t come into our life. That was the teacher who truly cared about you, who was more than just interested in you passing a class; that teacher was interested in you becoming who you were born to be.
Maybe that is my calling. Maybe I have been focusing my strength and my energy on something that I thought was more… when, in truth, it would be less.
I don’t know… I just don’t know. And that is the frustrating part in this situation. I used to think that by the time I was this age, I would have life figured out. I figured I would at least know what I wanted to be when I got big.
I don’t know any more answers than I used to… but I know a lot more questions.
I’m not even sure if I’m supposed to comment on here or not. But I just wanted to let you know that I think you’re THAT teacher to some of your students. I had a lot of fun times in your class and I can look back and laugh on them. But to some students you are the teacher that they would be totally different if it wasn’t for you. You seem to try your hardest to reach kids. You do a great job! Just thought I’d let you know that.
Ashley W.
Mr. A I thnk that teaching really is your calling. You’ve been a wonderful teacher and a great friend to me and I appretiate that so much. You’re always there with some advice when I need it and I can only hope that one day I’ll be able to do the same for you. Love ya
Ashley- absolutely you can comment here! That is the whole purpose.
Gunter – you are more encouraging than you know.
Hey Mr.A! This is Kayla… I just wanted to say that you are an AMAZING and incredibly inspirational teacher! I LOVED your class! God has used your teaching and obvious concern for your students as a wonderfully effective ministry. I really appreciate all you have done for every one of your students, especially yours truly! A big THANK YOU to Mr. A: the greatest high school teacher! : )! I’ll be praying for you!