I am glad that Routman reminded me that my “profession” is noble and significant. When I am with female friends who are lawyers, I feel less intelligent or successful. When I meet new people who are lawyers or doctors, I find myself almost apologetically saying that I am just a teacher. I will try not to do that again. I will try to take her advice and behave with dignity so that I do send a message to colleagues, students and parents that I value what I do.

Janet Allen says that our journeys as teachers are often lonely. Because I am the only Family and Consumer Science teacher at BCHS, I often feel very frustrated because I have no one to share lesson plans and idea with. Allen says to find support in workshops, etc. I have really enjoyed this class and the readings assigned so far. It really helps me to talk to other teachers and to hear their opinions and ideas.

After reading the two assignments, I realized that I often take student complaints as criticism rather than an opportunity to examine my methods. I certainly never thought that, as a teacher, I should become a political activist. I have often thought that “someone” should write a letter to the editor about an issue that affects education in a negative way. I never entertained the thought that “someone” should be ME.