Friday, May 03, 2013

Those who criticize teachers for their lack of compassion, their short work hours, summers off.... do not understand the heavy heartedness that accompanies this profession. 

Over the years, I have filled out more Child Protective Services reports than I care to count. It haunts me to think of the lives too many of my students experience - the abuse, the neglect, the poor choices made by parents the children must bear the consequences of. 

...and I wonder, how many of them have hidden scars I miss.



3 comments:

Extraordinary Ordinary Life said...

I stumbled on your blog through a search about middle schoolers and I cannot imagine what teachers go through and how their heart breaks. You do an amazing service to these kids. Just seeing a smiling face sometimes can make a huge difference so thank you.

Rachel H. said...

I commend you not only on your candor relating your experiences as a middle school teacher, but how you've approached them as well. I am a K-8 licensed teacher in IL, and due to economic and political conditions it's been difficult to find a full-time job since I got my master's in 2010--so I've been subbing in the meantime. Subbing certainly has had it's ups and downs, but I've had the privilege of teaching all age levels and in a myriad of school environments. This past year, I realized how much I enjoyed working with middle school students! As a sub, I have the added pressures of being challenged by behavior and ensuring I execute the lessons to the best of my ability--especially in subject areas where I am less comfortable in, like math and science. Anyhow, my best experiences have been when I have engaged myself in conversation with them, learning about their interests and needs--I was surprised at how many kids were interested in talking to me! I also take pride in the classroom when facilitating and assisting students. Even though I may be in a class for 1 or a couple of days, I give attention to all students, help them the best I can, and give them a smile. I hope one day when I have my own classroom that I am able to positively influence students in the ways that you have. Thank you for letting me share my story.

Rachel H. said...

I commend you not only on your candor relating your experiences as a middle school teacher, but how you've approached them as well. I am a K-8 licensed teacher in IL, and due to economic and political conditions it's been difficult to find a full-time job since I got my master's in 2010--so I've been subbing in the meantime. Subbing certainly has had it's ups and downs, but I've had the privilege of teaching all age levels and in a myriad of school environments. This past year, I realized how much I enjoyed working with middle school students! As a sub, I have the added pressures of being challenged by behavior and ensuring I execute the lessons to the best of my ability--especially in subject areas where I am less comfortable in, like math and science. Anyhow, my best experiences have been when I have engaged myself in conversation with them, learning about their interests and needs--I was surprised at how many kids were interested in talking to me! I also take pride in the classroom when facilitating and assisting students. Even though I may be in a class for 1 or a couple of days, I give attention to all students, help them the best I can, and give them a smile. I hope one day when I have my own classroom that I am able to positively influence students in the ways that you have. Thank you for letting me share my story.