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.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Look back to know what lies ahead
My title may seem a little strange, but hey, I AM a little strange.I think when we take time to review our past it gives us a clear direction to a more successful future. Some of us may look back with no regret, while others, and I think most fall into the others category, would love a re-do. Looking back at the time I have spent in the classroom, only pushes me to be better in the future. Sure, I get bogged down in the endless paperwork and assignments that have NOTHING to do with teaching, but what I really want, is to be THAT teacher. The one that makes a difference in a kid's life. Students may pass through my doors and not give a rip about doing hair. I am ok with that. I learned a long time ago to not take it personal. What I want more than anything is for them to pass through my doors and be a better individual. Some may question my motives for teaching. Afterall, I am supposed to be graduating successful stylists. I, on the other hand, think my content is the 2nd most important thing they learn. If my actions speak louder than my words then I want my actions to scream "You CAN do it, you CAN be somebody". Speaking to the child that is "different" in the hallway, asking a "not-so-popular" student to be my helper, encouraging a student with a behaivor problem rather than scolding them. These are the lessons I want my students to get an "A" in. Looking back this semester, I hope that my actions, rather than my words, resonate the loudest.
Hi Cortney! I think this is an absoulutely beautiful post! You want to be "THAT" teacher! During the week of pre- planning this past August at my school, we had a very rousing speech from our prinicple regarding his favorite teacher. She taught him when he was in the 8th grade. He says that he barely remembers the subject that she taught. He remembers how much she encouraged them. How she told them daily that they could do whatever they wanted to with their lives. He said that she was nice to the students that were behavioral nightmares. When they failed, she told them that she was still proud of them because in her eyes they would never be a failure even though the grade they earned was less than favorable. He described his school as a "low income, inner city school in Detroit". Anyway, from his one 8th grade class, 14 of them became physcians!!!! He said that they all name that teacher as the one teacher that changed their lives. After he told us that story, he passed out tee shirts to the entire staff that have the school logo and mascot on the front. On the back, it says " I am THAT one!" . I think that you are THAT one too!!! Keep doing what you are doing, I am certain that you have already made an impact in someone's life!!
ReplyDeleteI thought the latter part of your post was very insightful. I think, as teachers, we can all look back to a place we all made good and poor decisions; our own high school experience. Did we speak to those types of students you referenced? Or did we ignore/tease them? I totally agree with the basis of your post. We should absolutely leave a lasting impact on a student whenever we get the opportunity. And there is nothing wrong with making extra opportunities either. Which I feel strongly you likely do!
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