The Teacher's Proudest Moments: Inspiration from Student Stories
Pride in teaching is perhaps an unusual concept to consider. Raised in a Scottish Presbyterian household, pride was often considered one of the greatest sins. However, the joy and impact of the students I have taught over the years have always delighted me. Each day brings new challenges and rewards, making each moment an opportunity to truly connect with students. Yet, what qualifies as a 'proudest' moment?
Student Success Amid Struggles
One of the proudest moments in teaching is when a student who has struggled and worked hard, eventually succeeds. Imagine a student who has been receiving average grades but suddenly excels in a test and project. The student's excitement and the transformation in their eyes are the achievements I celebrate. These moments are not about pride; they are about success and the hard work that pays off.
The Impact of a Teacher's Example
Another profound moment is recognizing the positive influence of teachers on my own life. A significant turning point for me occurred around 15 years ago. I had been teaching at-risk students for most of my career, many of whom struggled with reading, leading to issues in other subjects and eventually dropping out. Despite these challenges, many students harbored a deep desire to succeed, especially when their defenses were penetrated and they were shown kindness.
During my master’s degree work, I interviewed many individuals to understand the dynamics of conflict in classrooms. One story that stood out was that of a teacher who, frustrated with a student, taped him to silence during a lesson. The student, however, was grateful for the teacher's lesson on right and wrong. The teacher realized the importance of teaching humanity and empathy over just academic facts. She returned to her class and had students write positive comments about each other, making each student feel valued and respected.
This simple act of kindness left a lasting impact. Years later, the teacher was at her former student’s funeral, where the student’s family shared how the paper with positive comments had stayed with the student throughout his life. This experience reminded me of the profound impact a teacher can have, and how our actions can shape a student's life. The story I heard then inspired me to share this experience with my own students, many of whom were tough and had experienced challenges.
One day, during a class, a student suddenly returned with a folded paper containing positive comments from his 9th-grade classmates. He explained that this activity had a significant impact on him and the other students who had participated. This was a powerful reminder that the principles of kindness and respect are universal, even among challenging students.
Remembering the Human Side
These stories emphasize the importance of remembering that every student, regardless of the challenges they face, can be positively affected by the teacher's actions. As teachers, we often focus on the minutiae of our jobs and the demands of standardized testing. However, it is crucial to remember why we entered teaching in the first place – to inspire, nurture, and respect the human spirit in our students.
Teachers, whether experienced or new, should not allow the pressures of the profession to overshadow the fundamental value of connecting with students on a human level. Every action, big or small, can make a significant difference in a student's life, just like the teacher who taped a student's mouth and then taught him the value of respect. We should continue to celebrate and learn from these experiences, ensuring that we never lose sight of the true essence of teaching.