As I went to my previous school
this week I was enlightened on how teachers truly matter to students. It was
obvious I had made an impact in children’s lives at Thurgood. I brought them
home when they needed a place to sleep, kept them after school because they
were scared to go home, and took them to practices or games. I contemplated all summer if I wanted to
transition to teaching in Wylie. I thought, “How will I make a difference if I
leave where I am needed most?”
I have not had the opportunity to make it to
Thurgood this year because our calendars are practically the same. Yesterday
however I had an appointment and so I left early enough from Wylie to make the
trip over to Dallas. I cried y’all. Not
just little droplets falling down my face cry, but I had BIG crocodile tears. I
had tears of happiness. As I walked in most classrooms were pulling small
groups preparing for STAAR. I saw teachers working with kids using strategies
that I taught. I TAUGHT them to use those strategies. The kids were quick to
tell me what they had taught their new teacher too. I had kids ask me to hold
on so I could see their progress charts. I created their charts last year so we
could track their growth during small group pull-out and their new facilitator
chose to use them as well. I had a kids run up to me and give me a big hug.
Kids that normally, show no emotion to anyone, jumped out of their seats as
soon as they heard my voice. One whispered in my ear, “The other kids said we
wouldn’t see you again, I told them I knew you would be back.” To say the
least… I was an emotional wreck.
So back to, “How will I make a
difference…” I questioned myself that night. Am I making as big of an impact in
my student’s lives here in Wylie? Well of course, ask and you shall receive?
Right? As soon as I walked in a student asked me if I am still going to his FFH
show. He said he had been working hard and that he wants ME to see it. Other
students were quick to tell me how amazing they did on their reading passages
while I was away. “We showed our new strategy and even checked it with the
sub!” One student wrote me the sweetest note. She said, “I have always
struggled in reading, but you make it fun and easy!” This class has taught me
so much. The passion they have for learning has shown me a different way to
teach. Not only do they need me as a teacher, I needed them to gain my passion
back for teaching.
As I sit here grading papers, each
kid has made improvements, each kid gives effort, and each kid is moving
towards their goal. I am making an impact here. I encourage you to step back
and look around at all the ways you are making a positive impact in each of
your student’s lives. I promise you are. I also promise they are making one in
yours as well.
“There is no
better reward than working from your heart, and making a difference in the
world.”
Carlos
Santana
No comments:
Post a Comment