Teaching Moments

Today was day two of semester finals for my students, and it started off normal until one student asked me if I got the message from his mom. Typically when parents call it means that there is something wrong and they are waiting for your speedy response. So, being the responsible teacher I am, I checked my voice mail right after getting the students started on their test. I should have waited till I was alone, because as I listed to this grateful mother tell me what an amazing teacher I have been to her son, I began to cry. To fully understand my tears, you have to hear this students story.

I've had James (as I will call him for privacy) as a student for two years know. Last year about halfway through the school year I found out that he is a survivor of Leukemia, and has been cancer free for a few years. However, he has an autoimmune disease and has transfusions once a month that wipe him out. I never could tell when he has his transfusions unless he tells me, because he was such a hard worker in class. Later in the year we got news that James' dad died while back east for the death of his grandma. He lost two people in one week. As if all this was not enough, this year James' mom just had to have a hysterectomy because they found cancer in her uterus. This poor boy has been through so much and I feel like there is nothing I can to help.

Part of his mom's message was, "I know a phone call is not much of a way to thank you, but I want you to know how much you mean to my boy." This is about the time I lost it. I never realized the power behind something as simple as being a supportive teacher and recognizing him for his improvements,could mean so much. That message is the best thank you gift I have ever received. I guess the simple things in life really are the best.

Hurricane Awards

It has been a long time since I've blogged, so I'll try to do better in the future. Tonight was the 11th annual Hurricane Awards at my school. Each teacher has to pick two students for each subject they teach to honor. I got to pick four since I teach 7th and 8th grade. It was a hard decision to make in the beginning, but at the end of the night I know that my decision was right. Watching the students walk up to the stage in front of all their peers and family to receive a medal "Olympian" style reminds me why I became a teacher. The smiles and red faces, parents cheering on out of pride for their amazing child, the smile and hugs from your students after they realize you picked them! I waited around for half an hour after the program because students and their parents were waiting to get their five minutes with me? I am honored and touched to know that I have had an impact on the lives of even one child. If you have kept up on the local news, the teaching world has been torn apart due to the national financial crisis our country faces. Many of my amazing co-workers may not have the opportunity to teach next year, an action that I never thought would happen in the world of education. So, in the mist of all this negative energy, I was delighted to be reminded of the joys of teaching. I thank God that I will teach again next year. I also pray that I will not lose sight of what teaching is all about, KIDS!