I'm a teacher. I began at the age of four with a few lifeless dolls. I've taught in church, covered a variety of grades in public school, and have even taught my own children. I'm in a new season these days... substituting a little on the side. I have forgotten so much in the last few years. A teacher's job is so difficult. Meeting federal mandates can often be tricky enough, but don't forget that states, districts, and even individual school administrations have their own plans for you. Much of your day is spent managing individual behavior plans, modifying lessons to meet ALL students, and somehow trying to keep your own sanity. And even after my short, infrequent days of substituting, I often recall those feelings from my past of "Why did I choose this?" Much of a teacher's time is spent dealing with anything BUT teaching. And let's be honest... we've all found ourselves one discipline referral away from complete burnout! But every afternoon I pick up a nine year old. He may not be nine or a boy, but he's in your class. His presence is often overshadowed by all that is going on, but he's there. And on the days that you go home and begin listing all the other possible professions you could take on tomorrow, I wanted to remind you about him!
He's the kid that cries on the first weekend after school starts. Real tears. Because he wants to go to school. Every. Day.
He often calls his mama "Mrs. Johnson," because you actually spend more waking hours with him than I do. When I make him fresh, out-of-the-oven muffins in the morning, he always wants to know if there are enough to bring one for you! Often times he comes home and is deeply troubled at the way another student treated you, struggling to understand the actions of a student that has wronged you. The little seed that you buried in class and sent home as a tiny seedling--- it's sitting on our kitchen counter. It's a seventh member of our family, and I sweat every time it begins to droop.
When you do a project in class, he's quick to come home and duplicate it for us all. He is eager to share your joy of teaching with his entire family.
His bulletin board is littered with things that bring him joy, and so many of them are from your class.
When he makes his birthday list, you are at the top. In fact, he thinks to invite you to almost anything... because you've showed him that you value him and that means surely you'd want to see his three minute shepherd performance in the church Christmas program! And when you actually show up--- well, that's enough to explode his little heart (and his mama's!) When you read a book aloud in class, he begs to check it out from the public library so he can follow along as you read each day. At dinner, rather than chit chat about his day, he takes time to tell us all how our hamburger is like a main idea and everything else on it is a detail... certainly something he's heard from you. A chance meeting with you in the grocery store is equivalent only to meeting an extinguished dignitary! You are so much more than an 8 AM to 3 PM figure in his life.
He says that one day he's going to be a doctor or a preacher. And maybe he will be. But whatever he becomes, your fingerprints will be on it, because you loved him, encouraged him, and taught him. He'll be better next year than he was last year, because you stayed the course and made learning fun and engaging!
So heads up, Teachers! There are a lot of these boys--- and girls--- counting on you. Tomorrow when you correct that child for the fifth time and the tardy bell has yet to ring, when that student still can't do long division even though you've shown her just shy of a thousand times, and your administration sends out one more thing that has to be done today, just remember how powerful your fingerprints are! Place them carefully and remember why you do what you! And know that he wakes up every morning wondering what incredible thing you have planned for him today! No pressure... he already thinks you are amazing!
He's the kid that cries on the first weekend after school starts. Real tears. Because he wants to go to school. Every. Day.
He often calls his mama "Mrs. Johnson," because you actually spend more waking hours with him than I do. When I make him fresh, out-of-the-oven muffins in the morning, he always wants to know if there are enough to bring one for you! Often times he comes home and is deeply troubled at the way another student treated you, struggling to understand the actions of a student that has wronged you. The little seed that you buried in class and sent home as a tiny seedling--- it's sitting on our kitchen counter. It's a seventh member of our family, and I sweat every time it begins to droop.
When you do a project in class, he's quick to come home and duplicate it for us all. He is eager to share your joy of teaching with his entire family.
When he makes his birthday list, you are at the top. In fact, he thinks to invite you to almost anything... because you've showed him that you value him and that means surely you'd want to see his three minute shepherd performance in the church Christmas program! And when you actually show up--- well, that's enough to explode his little heart (and his mama's!) When you read a book aloud in class, he begs to check it out from the public library so he can follow along as you read each day. At dinner, rather than chit chat about his day, he takes time to tell us all how our hamburger is like a main idea and everything else on it is a detail... certainly something he's heard from you. A chance meeting with you in the grocery store is equivalent only to meeting an extinguished dignitary! You are so much more than an 8 AM to 3 PM figure in his life.
He says that one day he's going to be a doctor or a preacher. And maybe he will be. But whatever he becomes, your fingerprints will be on it, because you loved him, encouraged him, and taught him. He'll be better next year than he was last year, because you stayed the course and made learning fun and engaging!
So heads up, Teachers! There are a lot of these boys--- and girls--- counting on you. Tomorrow when you correct that child for the fifth time and the tardy bell has yet to ring, when that student still can't do long division even though you've shown her just shy of a thousand times, and your administration sends out one more thing that has to be done today, just remember how powerful your fingerprints are! Place them carefully and remember why you do what you! And know that he wakes up every morning wondering what incredible thing you have planned for him today! No pressure... he already thinks you are amazing!
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