People. People are great. All shapes, sizes, personalities, cultural backgrounds. Connect with some in a moment, others need time. The thing I love most about teaching is the people.
I have been a classroom teacher for 14 years (having taken a couple of years off when I had babies). I have worked in many types of classrooms... serving students with learning disabilities, and those without. Students with unimaginable home lives, and those whose families might be seen in a Christian magazine. Poor and rich, and everywhere in-between. Immigrants and citizens, some with Social Security numbers, some without. Children as young as 5, up through the elderly.
I make no claim to expertise... in fact, my formal training is limited to a Bachelor's in Missions from a small Bible College in Maryland. The greatest training I have received as a teacher has been from my students. From people. Stepping into my first classroom as a 21 year-old with a completely idealistic educational approach, I realized in that very moment that I knew nothing. I wanted to be an excellent teacher (and still do!), but more than that, I saw that these students (at the time, inner city High School students with a wide range of learning differences) needed to be understood. Before I could teach them- really teach them, I had to know them.
Looking back on my own experiences in school, the most inspiring teachers - the ones of whom my memories are dearest - were the ones that took the time to know me. As a person. I was not an easy student to manage... I brought a lot to the table. Always talkative, attention-seeking, unmotivated... my report cards often said things like, "Nikki is a very smart girl, but does not work up to her potential." And "If Nikki would stop talking in class, and focus on the lesson, she would do much better." I never cared about grades, which drove my poor mother crazy, being a teacher herself. I had social struggles, and even tried to run away from the school playground. Most of my Principals knew me well.
There were, however, a few teachers that I will never forget because they took the time to see who I was, and to connect with me regardless of my outward toughness. My 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Harden, and my 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Karminski. Man, just thinking of them makes my heart warm on this cold, grey February day. There are a few things about them that I feel are worth mentioning here.
1. They talked to me privately. Not just from the front of the room, in front of the rest of the class. They didn't have to prove their authority by correcting me publicly.
2. They took time... a teacher's greatest commodity (of course I didn't realize that at the time, but understand all to well now) to listen to me.
3. They were patient, but firm. And, oh! So kind. I remember in 5th grade I had a sticker chart to help me focus, and each day, Mrs. K (we were called K's kids!) would come to my desk as she was walking around the classroom, and put stickers on my chart. Or not. If I didn't get a sticker, after class, I remember her calling me to her desk and explaining to me firmly, but kindly, and without guilt (on her part or mine) why I didn't get a sticker.
4. They were outside of "the box". Mrs. Harden was from the South, and could she talk! Loud and boisterous, and probably a bit unruly... Her stories were outrageous and wonderful... and I'm sure not in the curriculum. Mrs. Karminski had big, purple glasses, and wore lots of sweet smelling perfume and bright colors (looking back, she reminds me a bit of Ms. Frizzle). She had awesome bright red high-heeled shoes that made my 11 year-old mind spin. She gave us ice cream parties that were the talk of the school.
5. Lastly, they were confident, but not proud. Humble, but not intimidated. They loved God, and spoke of Him as a part of their natural conversation. They were genuine, and I never doubted that they knew what they were doing.
So, I think I became and teacher and remain a teacher because I love people. I have had some great teachers and some horrible teachers, and know the deep impact they have each made on my life. The classroom is an amazing place. There you find a captive audience... a room full of people - stories in the making - who are (usually) listening to you.
Teaching in an International School has been a unique experience for me, and something that I have found great joy in. Everyday is an adventure. You never know how someone will answer a question, or what question they might ask. They are mysteries, these people. Waiting to be known, understood, valued. Sometimes I can't believe that I get to do this...
Mrs. Harden and Mrs. Karminski are probably both in heaven by now (Elementary School was a long time ago!), but the lessons they taught to a younger me fell on good soil, and bear eternal fruit the world over.