I actually wrote this a few years ago, and still find it relevant today. I have been a teacher for a while now. As with every year, I try to take stock of the most important lessons I have learned as a teacher. The lesson seems to be, “don’t judge,” that’s a hard one. Believe it or not kids, come with baggage, some we can’t even begin to imagine. So in not judging my kids, I find that I ignore the weird or negative comment(s) in a report from another teacher. I try not to spend time reading between the lines of report cards or tests. When I hear the, “Oh, you don’t want that one,” I choose not to listen. To me each kid is special even if they push my buttons, I try to make a difference. I try to meet the child where they are, and guide them through their learning, without being their friend, but by being present, listening, supporting and sometimes admonishing them for not trying harder. It’s my job. The longer I stay in my job the harder it gets not to take the adults to task. We’re older, we need to deal, yes, it sometimes sucks, but we as adults have the words “hopefully” to articulate our needs. Kids don’t always. It is important to be patient, to listen, to help. As an adult we can be frustrated, annoyed and can be out of sorts, but we’re old enough to manage, seek support and try harder. Kids are important and each year is like a “new day with no mistakes in it.” That’s what being a teacher is to me.
Always Learning
