....my daughter has taught elementary school for almost 10 years now. She knew this was what she wanted since she was like... 5.

Her frustrations do come out sometimes. Occasionally, she uses her sister, and/or myself as a sounding-board when she needs to unload. That many 11 & 12 year old's can take it's toll sometimes. But she is well versed on the fact that nearly all of the behavioral issues she has to deal with, whether it be bad study habits, or just acting out..., could be traced back to the parents one way or another. However, she and her colleagues are the ones who are criticized in the end. Being her dad... it really pisses me off sometimes, but she simply says that "this comes with the territory". She really loves her students.

One thing worth mentioning. And this happens every time.

Whenever she does feel the need to "vent"... I sit and listen. It last's around 20 minutes or so... then she remembers how the 'light bulb' went on for a particular student that week..., and she gets to talking about what a great kid he/she is.... Or a former student, who is now in high school, drops by her class after school to tell her what a great teacher she was, or how she was such a positive influence on her.... It's then that she's reminded of what the struggle is all about. How worth it, it really is.

And to me it's like watching my little 5 year old 'light up' all over again.