Justification is one of the hardest things for me to deal with...maybe partially because there is usually so little truth in it...

Cryssa

wow that is really good auwsome job!!!!! ;)>

Unfortunately, sometimes we say this and, inside, know it isn't true. But we don't care at that moment. We lie as well as make meager efforts! Too much. Here, you get it off your shoulders!!! I had a few students I wanted to whack with a tree trunk! :)
(Glad I never did!)

oh that is soooo true, sad, sad and true
enjoyed and can relate

Teachers are so, so special and my heart grieves for our materialist world that has its value all wrongly prioritised, placing so little emphasis on lauding and appreciating our caring and enabling professions with support, affirmation and renumeration. All GOOD teachers give their all in their unstinting efforts to enable each student to achieve his or her own personal best, yet so often such long-suffering concern goes unrewarded, or so it may appear. The attitude of "shrugging off" is indeed sad... maybe there ARE mitigating circumstances in this instance, but your poem doesn't suggest that, quite the opposite, perhaps. Some parents seem to be the persons least concerned about their child's performance. But if, as a teacher, you shucked your primary responsibility to teach, all hell would be let loose. Accountability is everything. Bless you, Karen, and keep on keeping on. YOUR best will always be beyond good enough... xx

...wise words Karen, we can always strive to do better through out life

Many are guilty of falling short
in this ego-centric society. Sadly,
in my own experiences, 90% of the parents
I've met need a refresher course.
r

(((HUGS))) love and prayer, Karen - seems no one gives a rip anymore, won't take responsibility for their actions - sad. Well penned.

Karla.

Yes, to all of the above / He is also bordering on being the "victim" of his troubles / We have become not a nation of self assurance and pride in ourselves, but a nation where second or third best is overlooked because of any number of things. Being the best you can be no longer applies to our children.

I think we settle for being excused,
And become complacent in our efforts.

I think that sadly applies to so many areas today, including parenting.

Those that are satisfied after the journey first mile will miss the wonderful world beyond their horizon.

Georg

This is so similar to how we feel in parenthood. I look back and see the mistakes I made as a parent, but when I examine who I was at that time I realize that I was working with a different intelligence then than I am now, which allowed me to do "the best I could" at that time. I think truly caring folks who want to do what's right, always pull from within them the core of all they can do, and thus, do the best they can at any given time in life. We want to do more, but sometimes "more" just isn't in our storehouse.

VERY NICE!!!!!!!!!! I LIKE THIS!!!!!!!!!!!! Liana Margiva

spot on Karen, I've even faced myself that I haven't really done the best I can with myself, like you say we find comfort in excuses and blaming, hugs

Well unlike Amber and Dawn I am not a teacher but I was, let me see now...almost 40 years ago, a student. Guess what Karen you know the teachers I remember the most? Not the ones who were all sugar and spice and didn't really care if I did well or not, but the ones that did their best and whether I liked it or not pushed me to go that little bit extra. You will be remembered by your students as one of that class and never stop doing your best but please do not be hard on yourself either...there is a big difference.
hugs
fee

Karen, as a teacher, I too can empathize with what you have written here. Sometimes, it's like beating your head up against a wall, and there are times when I wonder if I care too much. Powerful writing.

As a fellow teacher, I can relate to what you have penned. My sympathy goes out to you my dear friend. One day, everyone will have a higher standard of what their best shall be.
Good venting.
Peace, love, and light,
Amber "V"