We as teachers, see all kinds of students come through our doors each year. Whether well-mannered or unruly, inquisitive or shy, initiator or observer, we can't help but become invested in our students. The population of students in my school is so diverse that it can be very overwhelming and heart-breaking to hear what some of these young adults have gone through just to get where they are now today.
One student in particular who entered my class last year, came from a difficult home life. One in which I have never encountered throughout my teaching career. She was very willing to tell her side of the story which was compelling but jaw-dropping at the same time. She presented herself with a tough exterior but I quickly realized that she was nothing but a teddy bear inside. This student has experienced more negativity in her life and has hit rock bottom all too often only to find herself still trying to get back up.
Teachers today are expected to wear many hats. Not only are we teaching but we are there for our students sometimes as a facilitator, nurse, coach, mentor, counselor, and many times a therapist. How do we not get so invested in our students? Where do we draw the line? And how do we find that balance between teacher and student and still wanting to be that one positive adult role-model in their lives?
I saw a bumper sticker today that I think compliments what you are saying:
ReplyDelete"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men." ~Frederick Douglass
Every year I find myself asking the same questions. How do we find the healthy balance between teacher and student. This year I was able to step up and fill a need for one of my students. After checking with all of the right people...I bought her a winter coat. Her family is having a hard time and she truly had nothing. Another teacher and I bought her a lovely gray pea-coat from Kohls. We gave it to her before lunch one day last week when all of the students had left. The look on her face warmed my soul. She wore the coat for the rest of the day and has been living in it since. I am happy that I was able to help and often wish I could do more.
Sarah,
ReplyDeleteMy school really steps up when it comes to students in need. I remember an email we received one morning last year about a student whose only means of transportation to school and work was a bike but of course it was stolen one day. By noon time on the day the email came in, a new bike was bought and presented to the student. It just warms my heart to hear these kinds of stories much like your student. For the girl I spoke about in my post, I have been helping her any little bit that I can for the past year knowing that she has nothing. As much as I enjoy being the person they can talk to, I would not make it as a real therapist for I would want to take them all home and care for them!