What is it all for?

The end of the year swiftly approaches and I am almost done with my second year in education. I have just applied to a college for more information regarding an associate's in Graphic Design. I am also enrolled in the Educational Technology program through the state. I have my last parent teacher conferences the next two nights and the beginning of placement for the boys' soccer team. So much is happening all at once and I am stuck here at a crossroads wondering, "Why do I teach English? Really, what good is it doing?"

It's a question I ponder every once in awhile and again, as I sit here on my couch getting things ready for Fahrenheit 451, I wonder if Bradbury could tell me. I don't want my students to be morons or ignorant to the big, vast world that is waiting for them. I want to prepare them with the skills necessary to become productive individuals in the workforce and in society. In the grand scheme of things, who cares if you read F451, or if you can spell ignominious correctly, or even if you know how and when to use who or whom? English isn't about those things, those are just a few of the "things" that make up what English is about. What happens in the English classroom on the other hand is the important part. Relationships that are built, guidance that happens (sometimes by mistake), and knowlede that is passed on; those are the most important aspects of English in a high school.

I just hope I can keep this up.