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.
Monday, December 7, 2009
"The Most Important Thing"
The most important thing I've learned about my students is: that they have a mind of their own and that they are going to do whatever the @#%& they want to do. I work so hard to instill values and morals in them, but they are not interested. I recall on of our lesson from this summer which was adolescent behavior. I am so grateful to NTI for offering this. I think back on that lesson and realize that what the teens are going throught is just a phase that will unfortunately not pass until they are long gone from high-school. As my principal stated, some lessons they will have to learn once they graduate. They will unfortunately not learn every lesson or every lesson that we think they should while they are with us. This is also another life lesson for me and something else that I have to let go of so that I can stay healthy and live long. Some things we just cannot and will not ever change. Student behavior is one of them. I have to learn to develop different comping mechanisms or develop a different approach.
I read your post and it is very similar to what i had to say. It is very tough to not always see the immediate rewards of your hard work. I keep thinking that I just need to teach for 5 years and then hopefully I will have some of my students come back to tell me they now get what I was trying to tell them in high school.
ReplyDeleteYou are right that for now, we must understand that they will do whatever they want and especially if their friends will think it is cool. I am like and need to let things go and understand that there are some things that we cannot change.
I do not have children but I think teaching is a lot like having kids. You just keep talking about the right thing to do and eventually they will understand what you are saying and apply it appropriately.
Stay healthy and live long! Figuring out how to successfully handle teenagers and harness their energy for your benefit will help towards a long and healthy life. Keep after it!
ReplyDeleteYou are so right Penelope, Sometimes we really think that we are getting no where, then out of the blue someone lets you know how you have made a difference. I have not been teaching long, but had the advantage of being a school nurse for 8 years. Some students would drive me crazy with complaints, illness etc. Seversl have come back as medics in the service, Nursing students, etc. never would have guessed. Hang in there- Give yourself space- someone is looking out after you !
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