TEACHER: Texting you this… Need people to help remind me why I teach when I’m having bad days.
Teaching is one of the hardest jobs. You rarely ever get kudos. You mostly hear what you are doing wrong.
So, in those rare moments when the smoke clears, and you see what truly matters, and you see the little things you do, and the impact they can have, that is the gold you have to hold unto- or you will quit.
So Far Today:
I comforted and prayed with a teacher who just had a miscarriage.
I’m standing in the hallway welcoming students, hustling the stragglers to class. Glancing in my classroom, I realize one of my boys is crying. I motion him to come into the hall and he tells me his aunt died from a stroke last night. We talk, I give him a hug, and help him grieve. He gives me permission to share with the class. His friends quickly change seats and circle him; No talking or touching; they are middle school boys after all. They support him by just being there. They take out paper and write notes of encouragement- without any prompting. #proud #whyiteach
All before 9:30am.
11:20am Update
Another student running up and down the hallway screaming and crying. Counselor trying to help. He refuses… I step into the hallway, take his hands, have him take deep breaths with me to calm him down so he can talk to the counselor without screaming. #whyiteach
Teaching is never about the subject you are teaching. It’s about showing compassion, how to grieve, process anger, express joy. So much emptiness and anger in my students- they just don’t know how to handle life. Happy that I can be here to help them.
Remind me of this when I’m having a really bad day.
Anyone who becomes a teacher because they want kids to learn a subject is missing a huge piece of teaching. I went into teaching because I want to teach children how to successfully live their lives, process emotion, and become productive people. The subject I teach has so little to do with what I really do.
“When will I use this?” they say. (Algebra, science, etc..)
The answer is: “Who really cares? Will you remember that I taught you compassion when your classmate’s aunt died, that I held your hands when you just couldn’t take another step, that I told you I care about you?”
And yes, of course, I’ll give you another chance when you screwed up, yet again, in my class, because this is #whyiteach
Update 1:00 pm
Two boys try to fight in my classroom. Calmed them down and talked to them. One of the boys tells me he’s not really mad at the other kid. He just watched his dad get arrested and he’s really upset… Sigh. #whyIteach
At lunch, the boy whose aunt died comes up to me. “I’m doing better,” he says quietly, and dashes away.
Last Block:
The boy who was crying and screaming in the hallway comes to class. He’s smiling now, and we’re just figuring it all out. It’s a good day. #whyiteach
I know I could get a job in a better district. My family asks me why I stay, all the time.
“Who’s going to teach them if I don’t?” I reply.
“Someone will,” they say.
“But will they care about them? Will they pray over their desks? Will they cry over them? Will they love them?”
I can’t walk away from these kids. Many of them don’t have adults that truly care. They are used to being thrown away, adults not sticking with them. I can’t be one of those people. Teaching is a calling, not a job. I have to teach them how to be cared for and to care for one another, to create community in the classroom. Once I’ve done this, and only then, can I actually teach them any academic content with success. This usually takes a few months to establish.
I have to teach them, I don’t know if someone else will care for them like I do. #whyiteach
A Few Weeks Later:
TEACHER: Why do I teach again? My head hurts, my neck aches…
RACHAEL: Because it matters- maybe for eternity for some of your students. Even though you don’t see it now.
Because they need you even when they don’t want you.
Because you may be the only love, the only Jesus, some will see today and over the next few months
Because you have to. It’s your calling. #makeadifference #youmatter
Because it costs more to quit than to carry on. #whyyouteach
Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37 NKJV
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my
infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2nd Corinthians 12:9 NKJV
*I received the above messages from a friend who is a teacher. She wishes to remain anonymous.
In honor of #TeacherAppreciationDay and #TeacherAppreciationWeek
Please take the time to encourage teachers, not just this week, but throughout the year
© 2017 Rachael M Colby
Tattoo It On your Heart
I know many teachers who would give you a hearty “Amen”. Very encouraging to me and I pray my son’s teacher is like this one.
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Thanks, Norma. My hope is to encourage teachers and educate people as to some of what teachers face. I’m hoping this post inspires others to do what they can to make teachers’ jobs a little easier.
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Well written. Very insightful. Thank you for sharing
Michael
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Thank you, Michael. Thanks for stopping by. God bless.
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😀
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Great Post.! That is why i send my daughter to a Christian School.! Where the teachers have the time and Christian background to effectively pass on the wisdom she needs for a strong and successful life.! Good stuff tattooed on her Heart.!
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Thanks, Kris and thanks for reading!:)
Indeed Trinity is an excellent school, and I greatly admire the dedication of their teachers to serve where God has placed them.
I also admire the valiant souls who faithfully fulfill their calling to serve the precious children who attend other private, public, and charter schools.
I’m thrilled that God places Christian teachers in a variety of schools so the love of Jesus can be demonstrated, and the message of hope and salvation is shared with students from all backgrounds.
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Wow that is a real eye opener what teacher’s really go through!
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Great post! Thank God for all our wonderful teachers 🙂
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Amen:)
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Loved this. A wonderful teacher! Perfect scripture message.
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Rachael, thanks for honoring teachers! Sharing this on my fb page.
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It’s my pleasure to do so, Pearl. Thank you so much for sharing this post with others. God bless.
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Thanks for sharing, Pearl. I know my interviewee is grateful also. God bless.
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