Breathe deep. Jump in.
I'm starting an Attitude of Gratitude blogging challenge for the month of November. If you've noticed, it's November 2nd, so I'm a day late to the party. Mostly I've been afraid to commit. I don't like to start something I can't finish, and writing every day like this feels daunting. Consistent reflection can only improve my practice, though, so here we go. Nov 1 What are the best aspects of being a teacher? Nov 2 What is one small delight in the day that you always look forward to? I teach for small (and big) moments of transformation. I can explain best through story. Last year a particular student and I consistently butted heads. He challenged my authority; I got under his skin. We survived the year-long required course and smiled as we parted ways at the end of the year. This fall I saw his name on my roster for an elective. "What in the world?" I thought. "Now he is CHOOSING to take my class?" And guess what? Seeing this student is now a high point of my morning. We have established a rapport, and he is working hard in class. I don't what what exactly changed the nature of our relationship. Maybe he grew up over the summer; maybe I softened some. Maybe it's the course content and time of day. Whatever it is, I'm thankful, and he is, too. A few weeks ago I sent home a postcard letting him know that I'm so glad to have him class this year, that his work in my class has been inspiring. And in one of those teaching moments that are fictionalized in movies like Freedom Writers and Dead Poets Society, this student found me in the hall right after the postcard was received. "That was so cool, Mrs. Witt," he began. "You should've seen the smile on my mom's face. She's not used to getting good news home from school. She's mostly used to getting calls that I'm in the office again." And that is why I teach. Through this profession, I can witness transformation. That story is just one illustration of the moments of metamorphosis I have experienced through my years of teaching. The answer to the second day's prompt is a bit more self-centered. Each morning as my first hour students enter the room, I sit at my desk with my cup of tea. This is my time to collect my thoughts and prepare for the day. Many days the sky outside my wall of windows looks like this, and no matter what frustrations might be around the corner, in those quiet moments I remember that Gratitude Evaporates Frustration.
4 Comments
11/2/2014 10:15:43 am
Kimberly, I'm so tickled to see you step up to the blogging challenge! I loved your candid owning of half the equation when explaining the struggles you had last year with the "particular student." I look forward to reading your blog this month!
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