Things I Wish My Students Knew

As most of you know, I started a new position this school year. I wasn’t looking for it. Honestly, I didn’t ever want to leave my last school. It was my home, and my coworkers were my family.

But God had other plans.

Two weeks before school began, He called me to leave my fourth grade position at Battie Academy and teach high school at my alma mater, LFO.

I’m not going to lie; it was a struggle. I missed my friends. I missed knowing what I was doing. I missed my kiddos. But most of all, I missed being instantly loved by my students.

High schoolers aren’t like elementary schoolers; they don’t just give you their affection and respect… you have to earn it.

Now that I’m settled in, I absolutely love my job. I love my students. I love my new family and coming back “home.” I love learning new things and taking new risks.

Throughout this adventure, I’ve learned a lot, but one thing in particular is that I learned how much I love teaching. I realized from kindergarten to seniors, they’re all kids. I don’t mean that disrespectfully or condescendingly. I mean they’re all entitled to the same love, attention, respect, and high quality of education- and it’s my calling to give that to them. I realized how passionate I am for “kids” of all ages. As I was discovering this, I made a list of things I wish ALL my students knew.

• I think of you like you’re my child. And I mean that honestly. When you’re sad, I want to fix it. When you’re happy, I smile. When you play a game or try something new, I want to cheer you on every step of the way.
• I believe in you. I honestly do. Every single one of you. You struggle to learn? That’s ok! I know once you see yourself like I do, nothing can stop you.
• I pray for you often. I pray for your home-life. I pray I show you God’s love each day. I pray you make wise choices. I pray you choose the right friends. I pray for your future.
• I think about you often. I think about ways to engage you in learning. I think about how to help you succeed. I think of ways I can help you and minister to you.
• I don’t care how you perform on a stupid standardized test. [GASP] I know I should, but I don’t. I hope you do well, so you can feel proud of yourself, but testing isn’t my goal. I want you to be prepared for life- to be a productive member of society. I care more about teaching you how to be successful in life than anything you’d ever see on a test.
• I love you.