there are many reasons why I teach. I LOVE little kids! I LOVE the joy of helping the little ones succeed. I LOVE seeing growth and progress. I LOVE helping my kiddos rise above and become better individuals. I LOVE making a difference for good. I LOVE being an example and role model, when sometimes it's the only thing they have. I teach 26 six year olds for 180 days of the year. You better LOVE your job to do that. Everyday is an adventure! I have never laughed so hard nor cried so hard. During the busy rush of the day, you are constantly being bombarded with little people coming at you with all sorts of questions, comments, stories, opinions, tattles... and all you want is a milisecond of fresh air.. but that is asking too much! You have to be at your best throughout the whole day and never let down. You would think that at the end of the day, when the last kiddo is gone, you would then have some time to relax and take your mind elsewhere, but that is when you start on thoughts and lessons for tomorrow and reflect on how the day went.. you start to think about little Katie who was sad that I could have comforted a little more.. or John who is so close to reading independently but still needs extra help.. or Zoe who Aced her spelling test and you want to e-mail mom because you are so proud... or Aiden who is behaving oddly and you have no clue why...
I will sometimes wake up from my sleep with brillant teaching ideas, or with the feeling to e-mail a parent about something, or just thinking about one of my students that I need to work with just a little bit more.. teaching is a job, but it is much more and goes much deeper and beyond being paid.
I have always felt that I teach principals, morals, attitudes and attributes FIRST and academics SECOND. That is how we work on my classroom and how I feel good about what I do all day when I teach more than what is being taught in text books.. but something that builds character and molds these little people into someone great!
I recieved this e-mail from one of my moms this year, and if anything I just wanted to have it for my journaling sake. I have strugged all year long.. for 20 weeks straight.. with a little boy in my class this year. He has aspergers syndrome, which is a type of Autism. I have learned so much from him and spent so much energy and time with him.
In my Patriarchal Blessing it says some pretty fascinating things about teaching kids with special needs and helping them rise above their challenges. After reading this e-mail from my student's mom, I realized that I was meant to have this little boy in my classroom. It helped me gain a clearer perspective, that even though each day is a challenge and I come home crying because of the constant struggle at school, he was meant to be in my classroom for a reason and I am helping him rise above something so much more important than academics and school.
To read more about Patriarchal Blessings click below:)
Letter for mom. I substituted names for confidentiality.
" Hey Madison, I wanted to put a card with your gift but decided not to because I'm a dork and
was worried I'm saying thank you too much and it's becoming insincere but it's driving me nuts that I didn't. I am so thankful for you! I went into this school year not expecting half the struggles that we went through and with your help we have overcome them. Everyday I think about how blessed I am that Mike has such an extraordinary teacher in an extraordinary school. I am so grateful for your patience and extra effort with him. I can not believe how much his behavior has improved. And it's not just the meds that have changed him. They've helped for sure, but when it comes to things like him showing compassion and empathy, that has nothing to do with the meds. That is what he is learning in class, from you. Everytime I see a little note saying something about him showing empathy I can't help but tear up. I thought he would never do that. I thought it was too complicated of an emotion for him to feel and I accepted the thought that he never would, but he does now. He is even showing it at home as well!I was so worried about bullying but all my worries are gone when I go to school and I see how kind, caring and helpful your students are. On Friday Zach was carrying Mike's blanket out to the car. I told Mike how nice it was that Zach did that and Mike said, "Friends help friends." I was so touched. He enjoys school so much. By this time last year in half day kindergarten he was crying every morning, begging me to let him stay home. He has not done that once. Every morning he is up and looking forward to going. That is because of you!You are teaching him far more than academics. You are teaching him values: compassion, friendship, responsibility and empathy and it is showing at home too.You have been so incredible! Words can not express how thankful I am. I pray that we continue to get amazing teachers like you. Have a wonderful Christmas and New Years!
was worried I'm saying thank you too much and it's becoming insincere but it's driving me nuts that I didn't. I am so thankful for you! I went into this school year not expecting half the struggles that we went through and with your help we have overcome them. Everyday I think about how blessed I am that Mike has such an extraordinary teacher in an extraordinary school. I am so grateful for your patience and extra effort with him. I can not believe how much his behavior has improved. And it's not just the meds that have changed him. They've helped for sure, but when it comes to things like him showing compassion and empathy, that has nothing to do with the meds. That is what he is learning in class, from you. Everytime I see a little note saying something about him showing empathy I can't help but tear up. I thought he would never do that. I thought it was too complicated of an emotion for him to feel and I accepted the thought that he never would, but he does now. He is even showing it at home as well!I was so worried about bullying but all my worries are gone when I go to school and I see how kind, caring and helpful your students are. On Friday Zach was carrying Mike's blanket out to the car. I told Mike how nice it was that Zach did that and Mike said, "Friends help friends." I was so touched. He enjoys school so much. By this time last year in half day kindergarten he was crying every morning, begging me to let him stay home. He has not done that once. Every morning he is up and looking forward to going. That is because of you!You are teaching him far more than academics. You are teaching him values: compassion, friendship, responsibility and empathy and it is showing at home too.You have been so incredible! Words can not express how thankful I am. I pray that we continue to get amazing teachers like you. Have a wonderful Christmas and New Years!
