Living Well

So, I chose my blog title based on a quote by Aristotle about the profession of teaching.  It states, "Those who educate children well are more to be honored than parents, for these only gave life,
those the art of living well."  It's not that I believe the quote is completely accurate, I would never belittle the role of a parent, but rather that I hope I can be a teacher who is honorable and respected based on my ability to teach and my relationship with my students.  I'm not searching for respect to get on any high-horse.  I'm saying I hope what I do on a daily basis and the effort I put into my job yields respect in a way that other professions don't have the ability to do.  I hope I do my job well.  I hope the amount of hours I put into teaching, planning, and grading is reflected in my classroom and in my students and I hope that through my teaching and our relationships that my students do at least get a glimpse into the art of living well.
I guess writing this on a blog that I'm writing based on an assignment I gave my students is a little weird...I know some of them will read it and it's not my goal to get the message across that they need to "respect me or else..."  It's just what's on my mind.  I guess it's always on my mind!  Am I impactful?  Am I effective?  Is my teaching worth the time?  What are they getting out of this?  Obviously, sometimes, the answer is "they're getting nothing out of this...this lesson sucks."  However, I hope and pray with all of my heart that that's not the majority.  I hope and pray with this assignment that that's not the truth!  I know it wasn't last year - I know many students who resented this assignment when we first started and grew to love it (and even to continue journaling after the assignment was over). 
Anyway, as a fairly new teacher I understand that I have a ton to learn.  There's no doubt in my mind that for years to come I will be adjusting and editing my lessons and my style in order to improve and accommodate the needs of my students.  Hopefully someday I truly will be able to teach my students the art of living well, whether it's a glimpse right now or completely non-existent.  I sure hope so, anyway!