Affirmation

What was the moment (or moments) this past week when you felt most connected, engaged, or affirmed as a teacher - the moment(s) when you said to yourself, "This is what being a teacher is really all about." One of the moments this week that affirmed me as a teacher was a student stating this, "Dang, Dr. Acree, I have such a bad day when you're not a school." Now, of course I knew she was exaggerating but she still made her point. Later she stated she liked my class a lot and hasn't learned anything like this before. I have a good connection with this particular student and she understands the level of preparation it takes for class sessions. Sometimes I get lost in the negative comments because my class, although an elective, can be difficult because of the terminology. Some students tend to “give up” because they think the information is too difficult to understand and recall. I try my best to encourage students and give a few “easy” concepts. That conversation and statement with her made me feel that what being a teacher really all is about.