I teach in a Title One school where the majority of students are eligible for free lunch and have limited opportunities outside of our walls. However, when it comes to my professional relationships with my students, along with their success, I consider myself very competitive. Meaning, I basically want my students to dominate their grade level, 94-95 Houston Rockets style. :grin: I don't think this way as a selfish way of teaching to a state-mandated test, but realistically, I am a competitive person. I want my students to succeed, and if they're in my class, my expectation is that they will both personally and academically. Sometimes it doesn't work out that way, but it just motivates me to work harder and smarter for my students. My team is very collaborative and we share ideas and strategies, but when it comes down to it, we all have very different classrooms with students that have unique needs. I want the best for all students, even those that aren't in my class, but I think it becomes more personal depending on your own personality. So, in your job,a re you competitive with your coworkers? It doesn't have to be obvious, but are you trying to "achieve" more than they do?
I hate my coworkers... so in a sense, maybe, yes. I just want them to fail more than anything, those old cocky bastards.
I think I am the Rasheed Wallace of my profession-- talented (according to those I work with, not self-horn-tooting... OK maybe a little) but be honest, a bit bored and I don't think I've tried 100% to achieve "greatness." By the way, I admire the patience of anyone who is a teacher. I taught HS math for a couple years at a private school. My students did very well overall test-score wise, but man did some of the teens (and their parents) test my patience. I liked them, but having to police things wasn't quite my personality-- I was the Rick Adelman of High School teaching. Like to think I have more personal maturity to han handle that better now.
I'm pretty competitive, but Im more about quality than quantity. I used to work at a cell center that gave prizes to those who led certain stats, like answered calls or tickets closed...On average, i'd finish in the middle, but i had a reputation for being the most thorough and independent on the team, so despite being "average" in competitions I was still seen as one of the best reps. Every once in a while though i would get an urge to try and top a stat, especially if someone else beat a record or something, but i never could keep it up, since it interfered with the quality of service i was giving.
I feel you on the patience. Many of my students have limited English skills and I always need a translator for conferences. Luckily, the parents are supportive. HS Math sounds scary!
