Second Innings

(I read a story about an initiative, called Feds to Eds where people no longer working for the federal government are being recruited to fill crucial teacher shortages, by providing them teacher’s training and mentorship on the job. I found the story, especially uplifting.)

To teach is one of the noblest things to do

Being a teacher can be incredibly rewarding too..

*

Though she had held teaching as a vocation in high esteem

To be a teacher had not been her dream

She trained as a scientist and was elated to secure

A position with the government which she thought would ensure

A steady paycheck and job stability

Where she could perform to the best of her ability

*

Unfortunately layoffs are a fact of professional life everywhere

The conditions under which she was hired were no longer there

Instead of facing the threat of being fired

She decided it was better to leave, and try to get hired

In a different, non-governmental organization

Joining the ranks of many in her situation

*

While looking for a suitable position she found an avenue

That required her to consider a path completely new-

There was a program to funnel job-seekers suitably qualified

Towards teaching- she realized her degree could be applied

To teaching high school students, she did need to obtain

Formal training in teaching, which she was enthusiastic about

It was the right path for her, this she did not doubt

*

She learnt in her second innings how hard it can be

To teach impressionable minds effectively

She is grateful for this chance to educate young minds

The first door closed, but the right door open she could find