School's back in session. Kids--and moms--across the land are cheering. Or groaning.
Teachers, too.
Recently I got some new insights into what a teacher friend of mine deals with every day.
I know from conversations with other teachers that her classroom is more typical than you might think.
This is my community, but people are people, so it's probably not too different where you live.
Listen in and judge for yourself whether teachers have a "cushy" job
"How's it going?" I asked my friend.
She made a face and said, "All I ever wanted to do was teach and I've loved it for almost twelve years, but every year it gets harder.
"This year every day I dread walking into my classroom."
"Why?"
"I have so many troubled kids and their home situations spill over, big time
"Like the boy who lashes out at everyone because his father was killed in an accident a couple of months ago. He misses his dad and I can't take away the hurt.
"One sweet girl lives with knowing her mom is on chemo and not doing well. Her daughter can't think about anything else. All I can do is listen and speak love and hope.
"Another youngster constantly falls asleep in class because he lives with his grandparents. I can't make these dear people understand he needs a routine and a regular bedtime.
"Three or four kids split their time between their divorced parents and feel caught in the middle. One talks about his mom's new husband, who's not much interested in her children. One girl's dad has a live-in girlfriend who loves the boyfriend, but not his kids. And let's not even talk about child-support checks that don't come.
"Several kids don't see much of their dad or their mom because of long commutes for great jobs. Their absence takes a big toll on their children. And let's not forget the parents with drinking or drug problems. I hear the stories and I see the fallout in their kids."
By now my friend's eyes were shining with tears. "Every day I smile and love my kids, but that's all I can do. It's a struggle to try to get us through the class material. By day's end I'm as limp as an old dishrag."
(This from a teacher in a good public school that's not in an economically deprived area.)
Sometimes we forget teachers have personal lives
Are all teachers great teachers? No. Are all unselfish and noble? Of course not.
Teachers are imperfect human beings like the rest of us. Most of them love working with kids. Many are married and rearing families, dealing with their own life problems.
You and I can support both teachers and students just by speaking up.
Here are some starters:
- Stop pointing out faults and problems in teachers and schools and look for ways to be helpful, as an individual or working through your church.
- When you're talking with children--or within their hearing--speak well of teachers and school personnel. (Kids may groan but your words can help them be more positive.)
- If you're a parent, show up for parent-teacher conferences and back-to-school nights and all the rest.
- If something troubles you, quietly follow up on it directly with the teacher or principal and get the facts.
- Attend sports events, band concerts and other performances. Cheer and clap like crazy--for all the kids.
- Volunteer. Most schools welcome people of any age who have willing spirits and a heart for kids. Just sitting and listening to a child read, being a supportive friend, could change a life.
- Get informed, even if you don't have children in school. Reformulate your complaints into suggestions.
- Be a friend to kids in your church and community. Whatever your age, talk to children and young people. Be a friendly presence, ready to listen.
Be a thoughtful booster instead of a detractor
It's worth remembering that years ago somebody built the schools you and I attended and paid the teachers who taught us. Now it's up to us to pass it on.
Whether we do or we don't have children, you and I can be a force for good.
If all we do is complain about taxes and teachers' unions and what's wrong with education, we're part of the problem. We help when we're willing to get involved and willing to work.
Let's be people who speak encouragement and thanks to those who work with children and teens. Frequently.
If we don't, who will? As Jesus said in Matthew 5:14-16:
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." --verse 5
Still learning, too,
Lenore
