How often can any educator say that they can do that? I know that, if asked in an interview, it is one of my biggest “teacher flaws.” (Let’s be real, I can think of a baker’s dozen of things that I want to improve as I approach year thirty in the classroom.)
This reflection is more of a short musing, but comes from a place that gave me pause. A parent email, cc’d to my administrator (like hearing mom say my middle name- this could be trouble) popped into my inbox. This message was opened with trepidation, as I had no clue what it could contain. What I found was a note of gratitude for nothing academic. This mother reached out because I saw her child wrestling with something during my class. (Head down, not contributing to the “Daily Question,” fidgeting nervously.) This student was visibly different, and the body language definitely showed an issue. I eased over, and told him that something was different, and would they like to chat for a minute in private. It turned out to be a friend issue that this student was struggling with, and they were hoping for a little advice. (All student conversations begin with, “Would you like me to listen, support, or give advice?”) As we talked it out, the burden seemed to ease a little. The next day, all was pretty much resolved, and they were back in the good. Without diving too deply into this student’s life, there were definitely valid concerns, but a lot was out of his control. I checked, happy to know that all was well, and we moved on.
Cue the waterworks. Now, I definitely wear my emotions, and cry pretty often. This usually happens when I watch “Miracle” or “Rudy” or go to an event for one of my children. This email was different. It thanked me for stepping outside of the academics to see her child as a person. For being present through the distractions and trappings of a busy classroom to stop and just talk human to human. Sometimes, we have to remember that students are children. Children with feelings, insecurities, questions, worries, and joys that supercede the classroom. Being an educator means having others put their faith in you. Parents, students, community, and colleagues. When we ignore the person, we fail to educate the whole child. Everyone, not just students, desire to be seen, heard, and valued. I have always said that teaching is about relationships, and that is never more present than when someone reminds you that you are constantly building and evolving those relationships. To my colleagues everywhere, you are valued- the children are watching. You matter to them more than you know. Thank you for what you do every single day. I see you! I am feeling such gratitude to the parent that reminded me that I am more than content knowledge and a name outside the classroom door.
Mr. H's Not So Secret Classroom 