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.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
3rd week
The best thing about teaching this year came the other week in my second year class. It was a (sped) student that no one seems to have any relationship with in any way. The student was looking over a student that was working a project and out of the blue the student with a loud voice stated that you are doing it wrong. The student told the other student that (coach) said to do it in the form that he stated to us. The other students in the class looked at me and smiled. I quickly told the student to go around the room and check to make sure that every one was doing it correctly. He was able to tell students that i also stated to make sure that they were writing the sentences in complete sentences. I called the student over to tell him thanks and he stated to me no problem. I asked him how every thing was going at home and he told me that mom had kicked him out of the house and he was living with friends. I told him that he needed to talk with his mom and work things out with her. About two days went by and he was not at school. The next day he came into my room and told me that him and his mom talked and that he was back at home and that they had worked things out. That is one thing that our school is working on is having a relationship with our students.
It truly is amazing how these kids respond to us as their teachers. It's hard to even imagine sometimes what they are going through at home. I think sometimes I get frustrated when higher-ups in the school expect you to be right on target everyday, when in fact you have somedays in which moments like this arise. I think that when the students see that you care about them they begin to let you in. Many times we are the only positive adult figure in their lives. We are the only ones to be a role model for them and tell them what is right and wrong. I also think that when they begin to trust you as their teacher, then they are able to talk about what is going on in their life instead of keeping it inside all the time or making poor decisions. I think it's awesome that this student was able to take your advice and start to get back on track.
ReplyDeleteWow I hope I have the priviledge of having an experience like you courtney. Reading your post was inspiring. I think every child want to feel important,needed and educated. I'm sure you made this child's day by asking him to check everyone else assignment. After you told him thanks I'm sure that made him feel bigger than life. At that point this child was able to let you in his life and help him at school and at home. Way to go courtney.
ReplyDeleteHi, Courtney - great post on several levels. Students helping each other tells me that your classroom learning atmosphere is right on the money, and your attention to student personal issues shows real savvy on your part - keep it up!
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