I feel like a broken record, but I have to say it again: when education is being discussed we should refrain from focusing on words like: grades, academics, work, success, and achievement. I think it best to frame our conversations around words like: growth, change, reflection, understanding, honesty, curiosity, and yes love.
As a middle school teacher, I work with students who are still quite fresh and just put into the oven. They are dealing with identity creation, understanding of social norms and expectations; in short they are messed up. I know because when I was thirteen I felt no one understood me, and now 23 years later I am still trying to recover.
I feel this is a critical stage in helping kids understand how to express themselves and feel comfortable in their own skin. This pastoral care guides much of what and how I teach. For the second time in a week, I have been reminded how right I am, and to be honest the validation feels great!
A few students from my old school in Doha are still blogging. I know because I have stayed subscribed to their blogs and continue to get updates. I think it is so amazing that these kids have found a voice and use their blogs for more than completing homework. Anyway, I opened this post from Nadia today and was moved to tears:
Two special people kept me calm and happy. One was my old English teacher. He was an amazing, inspiring person. He helped us to express our emotions, put them on to paper. He reminded me that lots of others have it much worse than we do, and we should be happy about what we have, everyday of our lives. He left us last year but I wish he could have stayed. He helped me become a better person and express myself, I wish he was here to help me now.
Education has a much bigger impact when we are focused more on creating kind beautiful people than collage applicants and corporate job seekers. For the record, I can “teach” a mean set of skills and convey large amounts of content and knowledge when needed. Go on and leave Nadia some advice…show that she has many teachers who care.
Man that is cool how your student express herself and she learned that from you because you did a different style of teaching. I saw what you meant on creating a good environment for the students. Making them feel like the teacher wants to get to know them. Hope your new class enjoys the way you teach just like your old class did.
I regret not taking the time to get to know you.
Thank you so much so much for what you have done and given to not just my child but all other children out there.
May you be blessed always.
Thank you very much. It is my pleasure.