Do you ever wonder what your friends are like at work. We meet our friends out socially, but rarely are we able to see what they are like at work. I had that rare opportunity to visit an old friend of mine at work today. Vaness is a sixth grade math teacher who was kind enough to let me sit in on her classes today. I learned quite a bit about teaching and that my friend is one tough cookie and doesn't let those kiddos get the best of her. Some of the sad things I learned about teaching is that you cannot reach every student. Some choose to fail no matter how hard you try. Other students have a home life that interferes with thier learning and makeing good grades is low in the list of worries, replaced instead with fears about what they will eat, or what will be waiting for them at home. I saw some exciting tools using technology for teaching that were very cool. No more overheads, now there are document cameras and interactive white boards. Amazing. Still lingering in the school day is the ever present standardized testing frustrations for both students and teachers along with the short time there is to teach and learn in a one hour class.
As I watched the students listen and participate for my friend, I was so proud of her as a teacher and realized how hard my job will be once I graduate, but I was also encouraged by the fact that she still loves her students and her job despite the struggles and even if she can't reach them all, she does reach many.
One other thing I noticed was that sixth graders look so young still. As I saw them sitting in their desk, I was struck that in just six years, their high school days will be over and they will head to college. It got me thinking as Emily is getting ready to start day school, that way too soon, she will be sitting in a classroom learning to master polygons... Here she is getting ready, it is going by too fast.
Emily is growing up so fast. It's amazing her little face is changing. She always looks so intent on whatever project she is endeavoring. You and David are awesome parents! I know you'll be a wonderful teacher, too. You're fun and creative and the kids will love you, so much! I was thinking as I read this post that sometimes it's the kids you think you're not reaching who gain the most. They're distracted or rebellious, but they're still hearing (just not listening) You may never know what phrase or simple word will reach their heart and remain there until the moment they need it. You're going to change little lives, Tricha!!!
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