I have been a teacher for a total of 29 years. I've taught remedial/Chapter I/Title I reading (K-

for 26 of those 29 years, with the other three years having been spent as a second grade teacher. Personally, I believe we continue to teach at all grade levels IF the kids are willing to put forth the effort needed to learn AND if they take responsibility for their learning. Just my opinion, though, and I certainly am not attempting to be confrontational. I have now officially retired from full-time teaching, and will be continuing in my role as Title I reading teacher (next year, grades 1-5) for four mornings a week. I have also been the technology coordinator, Novell network administrator, and academic team coach for the last 20 years.
There are many things that I love about teaching, the most important of which is seeing those "light bulb" moments when students suddenly "get it." I also love to see the children develop the self-confidence that is necessary in order for them to become really good readers. One of my goals with my students is to make lifelong readers out of them, and I love it when they come back to me years after I've taught them to tell me how much they love to read.
I have to admit that I've been showing off my Kindle 2 to some of my older students who already walk around with their noses shoved in their books. A couple of the sixth grade girls to whom I've shown my Kindle are already thinking about how they can earn enough money to buy one in a couple of years. (Who knows what will be available to them when the time actually comes that they have enough money?)
The drawbacks to teaching are the salary (at least in my small rural school), the time required to do all of my jobs well, and the endless number of "hoops" through which we are required to jump. (Of course, that number has grown tremendously over the years.) I am fortunate enough to be in a school where I am able to teach my way, without a lot of interference from administrators who have never taught reading. It's great to actually be treated as if I have a brain and experience.
I have had some reservations about my decision to retire, but now that I have my Kindle, I'm finding myself looking forward to having a lot more time to read. I may like this part-time employment after all.