Making a Difference

Recently I heard from two parents of former students on Facebook. They let me know how much they still appreciated what I had done for their children. Their children are in their late 30s and early 40s now and they still remember me. It is really nice to hear that I made a difference in their lives and it was worth it. As I told one mother, she helped encourage me when I felt discouraged by letting me know that I was making a difference.

So here is some advice to new and struggling teachers: 

You are making a difference even if you don’t see it. You might be lucky enough twenty years from now to hear from a former student and find out how you have made a difference. You might never find out. But either way, know you are making a difference. Whatever struggles and obstacles you face, believe me, it is worth it.

For parents:

Don’t assume that teachers are always confident. Take time to say a kind word and offer encouragement. It might be these small acts of kindness that keep good teachers around. It is easy to complain about bad teachers but don’t forget to show appreciation to the good ones who are quietly working in the background. They need good parents to let them know their hard work is being noticed.

Know that teachers and parents can both make a difference!

Screenshots by Pat Hensley

Amazon Purchases

I just wanted to thank everyone who has been buying things from Amazon through this website. Your support means a lot to me!

If you haven’t been buying from Amazon through this site and would like to, all you have to do is put a keyword in the Amazon search box on the left. Then click on the search button below the word which will bring you to the Amazon site. Then you can shop as you regularly do.

Thanks again for your support.

Be Bold

In How Dare You Try to Be Great? From  @DavidGeurin Blog, David Geurin shares,

“People may not always appreciate your gift, but don't let that stop you from using it. Don't let someone else keep you from pursuing excellence.”

Many times, growing up I was told not to brag, not to be so openly confident. People don’t like those that are braggarts. This seemed to be drilled into my head so it is hard for me to distinguish bragging and feeling proud of myself.

I feel like I was a good teacher. No, let me rephrase that. I feel like I was a great teacher! And one of the reasons I was great was because of the communication and rapport I had with my student’s parents. I worked hard at it and took a lot of my own personal time to establish this relationship. It never failed me in the 30 years I worked in the public schools. So, it really stunned me when I was in meetings during those years when other teachers would glare at me during parent conferences or pull me aside later to let me know that I “made them look bad.” In fact, one teacher actually had the nerve to ask me to stop calling the parents so often because it made them look slack. I was constantly told that because I had a special education class with smaller numbers, I could do this and the regular teachers couldn’t. I’m sorry but that is their choice and not mine. I felt there were a lot of differences between us and who had the right to decide who worked “harder”? I understand that my actions might not work for them but don’t try to stop me from doing what works for me.

I didn’t let these opinions keep me from doing what I believed in my heart was the right thing to do. And I’m glad I didn’t because I believe that relationship with parents helped me continue to enjoy teaching.

When I was recognized as our state Special Education Teacher of the Year, my school did not make a big thing about it. In fact, one teacher laughed and said that I just liked the attention. Yes, I was proud of my accomplishments and why shouldn’t I deserve some attention. I felt that others tried to make me feel ashamed that my accomplishments were brought into the spotlight.

This is one reason I like to feature teachers in my blog. If a colleague notices them doing something innovative or feels like they are an outstanding teacher, I think it is important for them to be recognized. I don’t want others to feel like I did when I was recognized.

So even though others may not see or appreciate your gifts, don’t’ let anyone stop you from using it. Don’t let others keep you from doing what you know in your heart is the right thing, the best thing.

What do you do that makes you stand out or seem special? Don’t be modest or shy. Please share.

My Philosophy of Life

In Just Six Words from Sioux's Page by Sioux Roslawski asks,

“How would you sum up your philosophy of life in just six words?”

What is your philosophy in six words? Please share.  

I Love My Job

In Five Reasons Why I Love My Job from Sioux's Page,  Sioux Roslawski asks,

“Do you love your job or do you hate it? If you're retired, what is the best part, and do you miss any part of your former job? If you aren't crazy about your job, what would be your dream job?”

I retired from teaching special education after almost 30 years and I loved it! I loved the difference I made in many lives. Over time I realized that I couldn’t save everyone but I gave it my best effort.

I was willing to learn and try new techniques that might be the key to unlock my student’s success. I loved that no day was ever alike and no student was ever alike. Every day brought on new challenges. I miss my students but I don’t miss the paperwork and the red tape.

I loved to see the light in a student’s eyes when they finally understood something that we had been struggling with. I felt like we were in a battle to succeed and we fought side by side so each student’s success made me feel like I won the battle too.

Helping parents understand their child’s disability and listen to their fears and frustrations was important too. I feel that by being nonjudgmental and open to their suggestions, made us work better as a team to help their child succeed. Even though I listened to their discouraged voices and tried to lend support as much as possible, they in turn would do the same for me.

The appreciation of the students and parents made me feel that the struggle every day was worth it. I tried to show my students and their parents how much I appreciated them also. Each student touched my heart and changed my life also. It would be impossible for this not to happen if I gave 100% to my work. If anyone says this doesn’t happen, I would truly doubt the commitment they give to teaching.

Maybe that is why I spent my whole career in special education which is rare. Many people get burned out early in a career in special education. I’m not saying I didn’t get frustrated or discouraged, but my rough times never were bad enough to make me want to quit. These times only made me more determined to fight back and help my students succeed.

I never regretted a minute of going into teaching and I don’t think I ever will.

What do you love about the job or the job you used to have? Please share.