you love to hate the new generation and it’s gross

Hello. I am a 22-year-old elementary teacher. I get it, you can’t wait to retire and complain about the younger generations. I have been called “a millennial raised by boomers” on this post, which is hilarious to me and I appreciate it. I understand that this post is not for everyone but I also don’t really care if you disagree with it. That’s your right as an American. I do love all of you though :) and I appreciate the positive feedback. Thank you <3<br><br>——————<br><br>We need to stop shit-talking the younger generations. Yes, even in private. We are so excited to be wrong about and disappointed by students today. We complain about how they can’t do anything right, how they require hand holding for everything and how they can’t even write anymore. You can call it a “generational difference” but what you really mean is that you think they’re dumb. I have been told time and time again that I have it easier because my generation is “dumber.” Actually, the younger generations are the most capable and hardworking students I have met. I admit I didn’t spend the majority of my career working with children in this generation, but I was a child just a few years ago. I think we both have a pretty good idea of how smart and capable they are. <br><br>We talk about changing the world and making it a better place for our children and we rarely walk our talk. The only generation that I see really out there doing it is Gen Z. They’re on the front lines protesting, getting involved in politics and advocating for others. Individual kids aside, this generation is made up of the kindest, most empathetic students I have met. They are so deeply concerned with the well-being of others and want desperately to make their mark. We need to be lifting them up, not dragging them down. We should be encouraging them to change the world and helping prepare them for that. It’s your job as an educator. If it’s too hard, then maybe your burnout is worse than you think.