Having once been an eighth-grade teacher, I often receive incredulous reactions when I share this part of my past. People frequently ask, “How did you manage those moody teens every day?” The truth is, I genuinely enjoyed the experience. Although this age group presents its challenges, they also bring an element of fun. They appreciate sarcasm and can engage in thoughtful discussions. Now that I’m home with my children, I find myself missing the classroom and look forward to returning one day. My time as an educator taught me valuable lessons about myself as a leader and a collaborator, and my students inadvertently provided me with a crash course in motherhood.
For many of my students, I became a maternal figure. Each year, several would turn to me for guidance, a sympathetic ear, or simply someone to confide in. I often played various roles beyond that of a teacher, providing support and understanding when they needed it most. I frequently referred to my students as “my kids,” and the connection felt genuine. I taught them, enforced consequences for misbehavior, comforted them through tough days, and offered a safe space for their worries. On the last day of school, I would feel joy for the summer ahead, but I also found myself tearing up as I watched “my kids” move on to high school.
After several years of “practicing” with my students, I welcomed my first daughter. Here’s how my teaching experience prepared me for motherhood:
1. Managing Attitudes
I encountered numerous hormonal outbursts, mood swings, and indifferent attitudes from my students. Their occasional disinterest in a lesson mirrors my child’s enthusiasm—or lack thereof—when it’s time to brush her hair. A classroom filled with 28 teenagers has certainly readied me for the days my toddler yells “NO!” in the middle of a store when I deny her a gigantic bouncy ball.
2. Thinking on My Feet
During a lesson on Anne Frank, I realized I had forgotten part of my materials. Panic set in as I faced my students, but I quickly devised a backup plan to salvage the lesson. This skill has proven invaluable when navigating unexpected toddler tantrums. For instance, if my child insists on visiting the park but rain starts pouring, I need to have a plan B ready or face the consequences.
3. Cultivating Patience
There were moments in the classroom when I experienced the urge to lose my temper. Whether it was a class clown trying to disrupt the lesson or constant interruptions during a test, I had to summon my inner calm. This is a daily occurrence with my two kids—often more than once an hour! Each experience has honed my ability to remain patient.
4. Repetition
As a teacher, I often felt like a broken record reminding my students of upcoming tests or assignments. As a mom, I find myself repeating simple instructions multiple times. “Maura, please put the paint back on the table. No, back up there. Maura, the paint!” It’s frustrating to feel like I’m constantly repeating myself, yet it’s a familiar routine for both roles.
5. Choosing Names for Future Children
Teaching exposed me to a plethora of student names, some of which sparked my interest as potential names for my future kids. However, some names were forever tainted by less-than-pleasant encounters. A name I once loved might become associated with a misbehaving student, leaving me shuddering at the thought of using it.
To all my former students, thank you for the lessons you taught me. Your challenges made me a better teacher and prepared me for the joys and trials of motherhood with my two lovely daughters. And to my fellow teacher moms, as you celebrate the end of the school year, remember that each child carries their own story, and a simple gesture could mean the world to them.
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In summary, my teaching experiences have provided a solid foundation for motherhood, equipping me with the skills to manage challenging behaviors, think on my feet, and maintain patience—all of which are essential in raising children.