Too much, too little or just enough?
As I sit by myself here, by gate 33 at Logan Airport, my mind drifts and thoughts just start to flow in and out. I think about how long and eventful this past school year has been. Yes, I tend to think in "school years" as I am a teacher and my most busiest and craziest months are September to June. I think about how much time I missed with family and friends. I reminisce about how much time I spent with My students and how a lot of it was not teaching to the curriculum but teaching to life. We talked about everything! Yes! EVERYTHING! From research papers on anxiety to, shit, we might be pregnant!
You know, people often say that I take my job too serious. Others say I get too attached. There have been comments made about how I need to set boundaries and make sure the kids know that I am a teacher first. My thought on that is this: I am a parent of 4 beautiful and amazing children. These 4 amazing human beings are my pride and joy. As they are the most treasured part of me, I want them to always be safe and taken care of. I want them to always feel secure and loved. I want them to feel like they can trust and count on people. So I give them the tools and the human contact that instills these feelings in them. As they leave every morning for school or wherever their day may take them, I hope and pray that they are safe.
As a teacher, I do the same for my students. When I look into each of my students eyes, I see my own children. In the reflection of their stares I see my own babies. So how, in good faith could I ever not connect with them? How can I stand and watch them fail knowing that he or she could be my own baby? How do I just say whatever? How do I stand by and watch them fail knowing full well I can help them succeed? How do I let them hurt when I can do my best to help ease their pain? I can't! I don't know how and I don't want to learn.
Yes, my connection with my students goes much deeper then just a good morning or how was your weekend. Some have told me things that not even their parents know. Others call me mom! Some have showed me how to dress and others have heard me yell when their shorts are too short. I take care of them and love them like if they were my own. Isn't that what a teacher is supposed to do? Isn't that my job? Do I not get paid to teach and protect them?
As another year comes to a close I'm still boggled by the fact that there are still teachers out there who don't know this! It drives me nuts to see how there are still teachers out there who just work and teach for the summers off. It hurts my heart and frustrates the hell out of me to know that these teachers still don't get it! I know I can't change people. I know I can't make every one think like me, but wouldn't it be a much better world if they did? This is not to say that I am perfect or that I am the only one who knows what she's doing because I'll be the first one to tell you that I am NOT perfect. I've hurt feelings. I've said things that I wish I could take back. I've judged more than one student by what other teachers have said and have had to apologize as the student has turned out to be the complete opposite of what the teacher has said. I wish I could fix everything! I wish I could wave my wand like Hermione and make things work out. I wish I could change people's minds. I wish I could make the world a perfect place for all humanity. Crazy, huh?
To end my rant I can only say this: I promise not to ever change. I promise to treat my past, present and future students all the same. I promise to listen, to watch and to make sure those who I come in contact with in or outside of my classroom know that I, Señora, "Miss", Mrs. López, the crazy Spanish teacher, cares. That regardless of what they have been through or not, I will be here, watching, waiting and just loving each and everyone of them. Not to take anyone’s place, but to be here when it is needed the most.
You know, people often say that I take my job too serious. Others say I get too attached. There have been comments made about how I need to set boundaries and make sure the kids know that I am a teacher first. My thought on that is this: I am a parent of 4 beautiful and amazing children. These 4 amazing human beings are my pride and joy. As they are the most treasured part of me, I want them to always be safe and taken care of. I want them to always feel secure and loved. I want them to feel like they can trust and count on people. So I give them the tools and the human contact that instills these feelings in them. As they leave every morning for school or wherever their day may take them, I hope and pray that they are safe.
As a teacher, I do the same for my students. When I look into each of my students eyes, I see my own children. In the reflection of their stares I see my own babies. So how, in good faith could I ever not connect with them? How can I stand and watch them fail knowing that he or she could be my own baby? How do I just say whatever? How do I stand by and watch them fail knowing full well I can help them succeed? How do I let them hurt when I can do my best to help ease their pain? I can't! I don't know how and I don't want to learn.
Yes, my connection with my students goes much deeper then just a good morning or how was your weekend. Some have told me things that not even their parents know. Others call me mom! Some have showed me how to dress and others have heard me yell when their shorts are too short. I take care of them and love them like if they were my own. Isn't that what a teacher is supposed to do? Isn't that my job? Do I not get paid to teach and protect them?
As another year comes to a close I'm still boggled by the fact that there are still teachers out there who don't know this! It drives me nuts to see how there are still teachers out there who just work and teach for the summers off. It hurts my heart and frustrates the hell out of me to know that these teachers still don't get it! I know I can't change people. I know I can't make every one think like me, but wouldn't it be a much better world if they did? This is not to say that I am perfect or that I am the only one who knows what she's doing because I'll be the first one to tell you that I am NOT perfect. I've hurt feelings. I've said things that I wish I could take back. I've judged more than one student by what other teachers have said and have had to apologize as the student has turned out to be the complete opposite of what the teacher has said. I wish I could fix everything! I wish I could wave my wand like Hermione and make things work out. I wish I could change people's minds. I wish I could make the world a perfect place for all humanity. Crazy, huh?
To end my rant I can only say this: I promise not to ever change. I promise to treat my past, present and future students all the same. I promise to listen, to watch and to make sure those who I come in contact with in or outside of my classroom know that I, Señora, "Miss", Mrs. López, the crazy Spanish teacher, cares. That regardless of what they have been through or not, I will be here, watching, waiting and just loving each and everyone of them. Not to take anyone’s place, but to be here when it is needed the most.
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