Skip to content

Community spirit Quote by Bruce Weber

“The thing is, I think I like kids, more or less. I was an English teacher for a few years before I quit to enter publishing, and I enjoyed most of the work—the performing, the encouraging, the dispensing of door-opening revelations, even the wheedling and dickering you have to do with reluctant…” quote by Bruce Weber
Download Open image
““The thing is, I think I like kids, more or less. I was an English teacher for a few years before I quit to enter publishing, and I enjoyed most of the work—the performing, the encouraging, the dispensing of door-opening revelations, even the wheedling and dickering you have to do with reluctant, sullen, grade-grubbing teens—but I was driven out of the classroom by the prospect of a life spent correcting papers. Maybe that reflects badly on me, makes me seem selfish or lacking in stick-to-itiveness or community spirit, or maybe it’s just evidence that I’d never have survived as a parent, with all the correcting and explaining that job entails. But believe me, you don’t even have to read sixty eighth-grade essays on To Kill a Mockingbird to suffer an unholy agony. Just carrying them around in your briefcase can bring you to tears from the anticipated tedium.””

Bruce Weber

3.7 out of 5 (9 ratings)

About This Quote

The speaker enjoys teaching and the creative aspects of education but is overwhelmed by the relentless grading and correction, fearing it would make them a poor parent.

In simple terms: Teaching's joy is eclipsed by endless paperwork.

Key Takeaway

Administrative burdens can erode passion for a vocation.

Themes

education work‑life balance teacher burnout parenting anxiety

Mood

frustration self‑doubt wry humor

Type

personal anecdote reflective observation

When to use this quote

  • new teacher facing grading overload
  • parent worrying about future parenting style
  • professional considering career change

Key Concepts

intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation role conflict

Practical Applications

  • limit grading time with peer review
  • use tech tools for feedback

Questions to Reflect On

  • How might a teacher preserve enthusiasm while managing paperwork?
  • Can grading be restructured to support well‑being?
A Different Perspective

The quote assumes grading alone dictates parenting ability, ignoring other parental skills.

More by Bruce Weber

Explore all 12 Bruce Weber quotes

More Community spirit quotes

Browse all 14 Community spirit quotes