The Rewards of Teaching

I teach Healthcare Science. I thought that since the students elect to take my class rather than it being required, like English, Math etc., that they would be more interested and that they would apply themselves more. I found out that my pre-conceived idea is really not reality at all. I have many students that do not complete assignments, do not study, and many fail tests. Initially, or my first year of teaching, this was very disheartning to me. After taking NTI this summer and discussing adolescent behavior, I am learning how to deal with their mindsets and their behavior. I said all of that to say this, I do have a few students that are doing well and that do apply themselves. I give the students medical terminology tests. The students that apply themselves have done really well on the medical terminology tests. To see that these students are interested in the class and are doing well as well as them being excited about their accomplishments is very rewarding to me. I can begin to see that my labor is not in vain. I have had to learn that just because students don't do well may not be directly related to me but it may be because of choices that they make. They have to learn that there are consequences to their actions and that they have to work toward making sure that they have a successful future. I will do my part. It is up to them to do their part as well.