"You're her teacher and you're going to her birthday party..?"

As a young teacher Newland Alan

worried cross borders, but experience has taught him to accept some invitations is an important part of the role the teacher

Aa> "

things well and carefully, to avoid fear ...

Shakespeare is generally good. But I was in my second year of teaching - the year in a primary school 2s downtown high - which is good, but do not know myself. Border but full of enthusiasm, energy and commitment, I was passionate about working with children who I felt had a chance against him. I worked long hours, a lot of extras and want these kids to see me as more of a "good" teacher.

Tanya

One day, a sweet girl in my class, ran up to me with a couple of friends in tow. An idea was born. Laughing and excited, she could no longer contain:

"Mr. Newland Want to come to my birthday party on Sunday!"

"I love it. Thank you!" I said without hesitation. It was the kind invitation of school children in the primary hand daily, like candy to your new best friends.

I thought no more about it. But the next day, it was a birthday invitation with little writing my mother in it, so I thought, "Oh, well - I'll go for half an hour .. can not hurt "

On Saturday, I pop to the local bookstore and get a book to read Tanya just bring as a gift.

While I was in the store, I spoke with a woman who looks in the books. It proved to be a retired teacher.

She was interested in my choice and why he was buying. So I explained.

"And this book is one of your students ...?" She asked.

"Yes."

"And you go to her birthday party ...?"

"Yes

She frowned. Then shook his head.

"Do not do that." said.

"Why not?" I asked. "What's wrong with a little jam and blancmange for half an hour?"

"You are his master." Came the solemn judgment. "It is not your friend. You cross a border. "

What do I do now? I thought. I told the girl that I ...

next day I went to Tanya's house, knocked on the door and through the frosted glass, I could see the excitement running through the corridor. He opened - this time with her party dress -., But with the same eyes and radiant smile charmed

"Sorry love, I can not stop." I said. "But here is a little book for her birthday. Shall see you at school tomorrow."

It is - rightly or wrongly - is how he manages. I was a young teacher may be too eager to impress and "accidental sage" because of me. If I had crossed the threshold and entered the game probably have more children, so I might have thought:

"It is my master. Why not come to my birthday party ..?"

or parents ... you might have thought:
• "This is my son's teacher. I wonder what his relationship with the mother of Tanya ..?"

Once past the threshold, the management of the perception of others is a challenge.

But later in my career that were not always the same judgment. As I became more experienced and mature, I did cross certain thresholds and I did some limitations on horseback. I accepted the invitation - when I felt it necessary -. Attend social events and family

time. Were baptisms, birthdays, barbecues and weddings I went to the funeral too. And to be honest with you, I had the honor to be invited.

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