There is something so amazing about feeling influential and appreciated. I read something a student of mine posted in her myspace profile about how she finally is taking a class she likes (French class) and learning a new language is fun especially with Mademoiselle (__ME__). It's that sort of thing that warms the heart and makes all the frustrating parts of teaching worthwhile.
I pride myself on conducting a class that most kids enjoy and I believe that most kids get along well with me. I believe that is half the battle. Kids will work harder for a teacher who cares about them, gets to know more about them than what seat they sit in, and will listen to their problems or triumphs. During my first year teaching, I received a note from a student who said, "To Miss __(ME)__, the only teacher who ever listened to me." That one phrase made all the annoying stories disappear and in their place was the feeling that I might have done something good for at least one person. I might have made one student feel worthwhile and more confident. I would love to know what she is doing now...
More thoughts on this later. Remind me to tell you about Chuck. He is a very special student to me.
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