And, they are all terrific and passionate and worthy of accolades unending.
I received a text today from my (much younger) sister. She teaches at a small, private school in the southwest region of the US. She has a classroom of 6th-8th grade boys. ALL BOYS. Each with their own set of challenges. It's a small group (I think she has around 10 students, give or take), but a challenge nonetheless. She faces each day with a "BRING IT!" kind of attitude, and truly wants to help these kids learn and excel and reach their full potential.
Now, if you knew her, you'd understand if I said here that one (or some) of the boys had a crush on her. Maybe even wrote her an anonymous love note.
HOWEVER, if such a thing occurred, she'd not only NOT share it publicly, she'd no doubt handle the situation with grace and professionalism. She's got one of the best hearts around.
Alas, lil sis has received "hate notes" (her term) from one student.
Today, she got another, which prompted her text to me. All her text said was, "Got another hate note (in orange) ... I retaliated :)"
This picture was attached to the text:
Translation: his note said, "I hate you"; she took it, affixed it to a heart that said, "... Maybe, but I love you. I will not give up." And she taped it to his desk.
I mean, c'mon, are you kidding me? Who wouldn't want to go through life knowing that someone wasn't going to give up on them - even when/if we give up on ourselves? He may be a handful - but he has my sister for a teacher. And, she rocks.
She also did this to his desk, just to reinforce who's boss (here's where you can tell that we are related):
This made me laugh out loud. It also made me very proud.
I hope his parents realize the true gem that is helping to shape their son. And I hope she never loses her passion and sense of humor. Her students are better people for having crossed her path.
5 comments:
Wow, "(much younger) sister". When you told me a couple of months ago about the job you had just accepted, I was so proud to know you. To me, it sounded like a constant challenge, that I know I could NEVER handle. Yet you were truly excited about the challenge and couldn't wait to help these boys.
This story is, I'm sure, just a small representation of what you have to deal with every day.
THANK YOU for what you're doing to make a huge difference in their lives. They're so lucky to have you as their teacher. Keep up the great work, as I'm sure you will.
She is the kind of teacher I wish for all students. And her kids don't know that their new classroom aide is her husband. hehe! BTW, if you were a teacher, you would be just like her! XO
What an amazing sister and teacher...she gives us all hope! Especially when teachers get a bad rap these days for things they are NOT doig enough of, this makes up for ALL of it. Kudos to her, she is amazing...of course she is, she is related to you! Thanks for sharing this with me, it was just what I needed this morning!
Wow what a wonderful teacher!
Just so ya know....I'm going to have the photos on the Smartboard in the library at my next staff meeting. "They don't care what you know until they know that you care." If these photos don't say it all, then I don't know what does. A wise-beyond-years reaction by a woman who is obviously doing the right work...her right work.
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