I sometimes get bothered by the idea that I will really never see the fruits of my labor in my profession. I am not all that great of a teacher and I realize that, so I base my efforts in the classroom and in coaching with the premise that the relationship that I form with these kids will have a significant impact on their lives. There is a certain amount of arrogance that is present because I often feel that my moral lessons are making great and lasting marks on my students, but reality hits me in the mouth and I quickly realize that they are most likely hearing the same amount of life lessons from as they are hearing history lessons. Retention of a high school student is about 14% of what they hear. That's not good.
So sometimes I get bummed about my job and how I am really just a highly paid babysitter. I don't always see myself like that but there are good days and bad days in my job, just like there are in yours.
Today was a good day.
My first year at Keller was great and my classes were full of amazing kids and I have had a great time watching those kids grow. I get attached to all my classes but my first year at Keller really was great.
I had a conversation with one of those kids today. A great kid, who will be wonderful as a parent some day but has made some decisions in life that are creating some difficult consequences. This was one of those conversations that really can't take place in public school. I got to say things talk about things that most teachers don't get the opportunity to express, and it appeared that I was making an impact.
So many kids that I see every day have not clue how great they will be in the future. They just live and hope they don't fail again, instead of seeing how great they can be even though the here and now seems bad.
My talk with this student today reminded me why I became a teacher and energized me to do better in the coming months. I really hope this kid makes it. I hope they will come see me and Shar someday when they become as great as I know they can become.
2 comments:
I remember another high school male that you had a huge impact on. I am glad that you are there. One kid is worth a ton of bad days. I love you.
Coach, I'm leaving myself as anonymous because I feel like you'll think it's odd that I found this and that I'm also taking the time to read it. But you made a huge impact on my life, after the speech you gave the last day in your class this year, I swear I think about it everyday. A lot is happening in my life right now and to my suprise the only person I want to talk to is you. You're so full of wisdom ad strength, I guess I find comfort in you. I see all is well with the family and I hope your summer is wonderful. This is just a little peice of all I didn't get to say before I ended my sophmore year with you.
Post a Comment