In the past week I had a former student, one who was difficult to say the least, approach me and want to talk. As we talked I asked about his summer activities and if he was still participating in the band. He told me that he is not in the band anymore, and I replied with a "why not"?
He then proceeded to tell me over the summer that his father had passed away from heart failure. His response caught me somewhat off guard. I told him I was very sorry to hear about his dad, and asked how he and his mother were doing. He told me that he missed his dad and followed that with another comment that caught me off guard. He told me that he was enrolled in my second semester class, but he would not be a behavior issue next semester as he had been in the previous class. He explained further, stating that he had thought about the way he acted out in class. He told me that he realized he was wrong to do so, and that he appreciated the way that I had been "tough" on him. He said that he realized that his behavior was unacceptable and that my being firm with him was a good thing for him.
After losing his father he remembered my telling him that facing adversity makes people stronger and helps prepare the person for life. He said when he remembered that, he realized that he had to get stronger and help not only himself through the death of his father, but his mother also. He said that he realized he needed to grow up and be a man. Once he realized what he needed to do, he said things became easier for him. He still misses his dad, but realizes that his dad would want him to be strong and be the man he should be.
I gave him a pat on the back and told him that I was very proud of him and I looked forward to having him in class. I am proud of him, he realized that he couldn't be a boy all of his life, and that tomorrow is important and he must be ready. This kid will be a leader next semester and he will excel.
This site is a class blog space for new Career and Technical Specializations and Heathcare Science teachers enrolled in the New Teacher Institute (NTI) at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia.
Rules For Posting To This Blog and Weekly Blog Question
1. Only use your first name (no last names, addresses, IM screen names, etc.)
2. Show respect and consideration of others when posting and commenting. This includes individuals, students, organizations, political parties, colleagues, etc.
3. Check all posts for spelling and grammar errors before posting.
4. Protect the privacy of others. Gain permission from other people before you write about them. Avoid sharing someone else's last name. Use job titles or pseudonyms when writing about experiences with your co-workers or students.
5. Watch your language. Use politically correct and non-offensive language.
6. Make sure you write about things that are factual.
7. Keep your postings education-oriented. Avoid discussing plans for the weekend, etc.
2. Show respect and consideration of others when posting and commenting. This includes individuals, students, organizations, political parties, colleagues, etc.
3. Check all posts for spelling and grammar errors before posting.
4. Protect the privacy of others. Gain permission from other people before you write about them. Avoid sharing someone else's last name. Use job titles or pseudonyms when writing about experiences with your co-workers or students.
5. Watch your language. Use politically correct and non-offensive language.
6. Make sure you write about things that are factual.
7. Keep your postings education-oriented. Avoid discussing plans for the weekend, etc.
FINAL BLOG POST - OUR "DAILY TRIPLE" (DUE 12/1).
This week I would like you to use your imagination. You have just won the lottery and will leave your teaching post immediately to travel around the world. As you leave your keys you meet your replacement. You are asked to give this new teacher just ONE piece of advice. What would that be, and why? Enjoy your world expedition!
Blog Post - Week 7
This past week in my own teaching I felt a little disconnected which prompts my question to you, "What was the moment (or moments) when I felt most disconnected or disengaged as a teacher - the moment(s) I said to myself, I'm just going through the motions here?"
Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 6
For the past couple of weeks you have experienced asynchronous online learning (doing modules by yourself). Previously this semester you have experienced synchronous online learning (all together in the Collaborate room). Which do you think is more effective and why do you think that? Which do you like better, and why?
Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 5
This week we have what we call "open mic." You can write a post about anything related to your teaching that you would like responses from your classmates.
Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 4
Here is this week's question: "What was the event that most took me surprise this week - and event that shook me up, caught me off guard, gave me a jolt, or made me unexpectedly happy?"
Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 3
Please write a post about the following question, "In thinking about my past week teaching what is one thing I would do differently, and why?"
Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 2
Please write a post about the following question, " In thinking about my teaching activities this past week, of what do I feel most proud? Why?"
Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 1
Describe something you used in your program in the first weeks of school that you learned in the summer NTI program. How did it work? Did it get you off to a stronger start than last year?
2 comments:
Oh My gosh that was touching wade. We just never really know how we affect our kids life. Kids often look to us learn life lessons, but just sometimes they end up teaching us one huh?
Please remember to keep encouraging him and commenting on good behavior. He needs you!
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