By: Elaine Martin
A new school year welcomes many new things – shoes, backpacks, best friends, and TEACHERS! As parents, we’ll get the chance to meet educators at back to school events and parent conferences, but have you ever wanted to just stop and dig into the teacher’s brain?
Why did you choose this job that may involve someone else’s vomit on daily basis? How can you teach a room of hormonal middle school kids without going crazy? How can I really help my child thrive in school?
I sent a back to school questionnaire to over one hundred friends in the education world. I went through my Facebook friends and found my college buds that are teaching across the country and also my local teacher friends. Educators from various regions and years in the classroom shared their insights, which turned out to be surprisingly similar and give us a glimpse into a teacher’s heart.
School Humor
My very first day of student teaching I told my students that I wasn’t used to being called Mr. Smith. A girl asked me if I wasn’t used to it because I’d just gotten married.
Every year I take bets as to which kid will pee on the playground first. It never fails to happen.
Is there anything that happens at school that would surprise parents?
Headaches, tummy aches, and potty breaks are contagious.
ANY meat will be eaten by elementary kids at lunch if they’re given ranch dip or ketchup on their tray.
When a child has a “lightbulb” moment (like beginning to read, learning a math trick that was previously giving them problems, etc.) the teacher is so elated that she/he is close to tears.
How much teachers spend of their own money. I had someone complain to me that the school supply was too long. I told her, “Do you know who purchases all the school supplies when they aren’t brought in?” She asked, “Who?” I said, “Me!”
Yes, we plan lessons and grade papers. But the bulk of our job is loving kids, looking at individual needs and planning for that success. There is not one thing I wouldn’t do for any of my students. I’ve washed clothes, placed food in backpacks, kept kids after school because they needed some extra TLC, and helped families find items like washers and dryers. These are the things that don’t get talked about. If kids don’t have what they need physically and emotionally, they can’t give their best academically.
How often teachers pray over our students, even high school teachers.
The behavior of the kids and sometimes this includes their own kid!
Students are almost always better behaved at school with teachers than they are with parents because routines and clear expectations are set and presented every day of the school year, not just the first week. Those same things can be done at home. Children who don’t know what is expected of them are always trying to find the boundaries.
What common traits have you seen in successful students (or families) over the years?
They come from well rounded, supportive, and involved parents.
Students who have encouragers backing them daily. Know what your child is doing in school and stay on top of things as much as possible. The best teachers are great listeners, cheerleaders, and counselors. Be that teacher!
Students with involved parents, who do not expect perfection. Students will not always get the grade they want, make the team they want, or even get in the class they want. It’s not the end of the world but an opportunity to set new goals and make a plan to get there.
Students who have parents who are engaged in their child’s life, but not manipulating it. They allow their children to make choices and mistakes while offering a safety net instead of wrapping their child in bubble wrap.
Students that come from families who stress the importance of academics with their students. Children who are read to, encouraged to do their best every day, and supported when things get tough are the kids who make the most academic growth throughout their educational career!
Common traits in unsuccessful students (or families)?
Never learn to fail and try again.
Adults that feel teachers are responsible for everything.
The students who cannot (or simply will not) disconnect themselves from their digital world. Constant gaming, YouTube-ing, and non-stop social media are huge hampers to success in the classroom.
Students who often lack a routine at home and at school. They sometimes don’t know the ropes to success!
Students that have parents who do not speak respectfully to their kids and to each other as adults — and those who have never told their kids no or have never given them boundaries/limitations… Kids crave structure, discipline, and rules, and they need these to be successful in school.
I’ve always wanted to tell parents…
Stop yelling! No one likes to be yelled at.
Children tell their teachers EVERYTHING that happens at home – the good, the bad, and the ugly. We recognize that much of that is exaggerated or misinterpreted by the child and take it like a grain of salt. Therefore, when the child goes home and tells the parents “everything” that happened at school, remember that stories are most often just that…stories.
Please don’t be so hasty to blame the teacher or the school when something goes wrong. Please don’t complain to my employer before you have calmly and collaboratively taken the time to speak with me and hear all angles of the situation. I assure you, I love your kiddo and have his best interests at heart. I am an advocate for your child just the same as you.
Eat dinner together as much as possible. Life is busy, but the 20 minutes you spend eating dinner is precious time. Don’t let activities get in the way!
Let them go…. Let them go… Let them go become who they are destined to be!
I had no shortage of career opportunities when I was in college. I CHOSE to become a teacher because I love working with young people and believe I can make a difference. I am a teacher because I believe in your student, not because it is easy.
I love their children unconditionally. We come from all walks of life and travel in many paths. The one thing we have in common is our love for their child!