Sending Us What They've Got

At staff development this last week, someone said (I can't remember who - we hear a lot at staff development 3 days in a row), "Parents aren't keeping their best kids at home. They're sending us what they've got." And as I was praying this morning for the new year and getting ready to welcome my students for the first day, that statement was brought back to mind.

I pray that as I am in the classroom working with these students, that I never forget that this is someone's daughter or someone's son, and they love them immensely. And they have sent the only kids they have to school. It is my responsibility to nurture and grow who they send me. Despite their learning differences, mental or physical handicaps, defiant or stubborn personalities, quiet and reserved demeanors, perfectionist tendencies, know-it-all attitudes, etc, etc, etc. . . That's who I have. And that's who I am to love and teach.

I need the daily reminder that these kids are God's kids, just like me. And just as I am full of my own imperfections and have been stubborn, disobedient, and unloving towards God, I am still His. And these kids - my students- are His. Even if they don't know it yet.

So if you read this and pray, please pray that I wouldn't forget that. And for me to take each day one at a time and to take deep breaths. As my principal has a sign on her door that I think I need, that says something to the effect of: Have a big glass of calm down.

Back to School - Again

Well, summer is officially over. I have finished my first week back at work, even though I was up there all last week, too. Today I met students and parents, at least the ones that came. As I was on my way to Happy Hour with a co-worker, the daunting task of teaching really hit me.

The fact that we are responsible for so many kiddos and are expected to really know our students is sometimes difficult. Some students just naturally demand more time and attention, which can unfortunately lead to overlooking another child's needs or not recognizing learning difficulties. I have several high demand students this year and I wonder how that will effect the other students.

I aspire to be the teacher that knows her students and picks up on the almost unrecognizable signs that a child may be having trouble due to some other reason than being obstinate or lazy. I want to be in regular contact with parents, not just when I have to due to parent/teacher conference days. I am excited to further my education and knowledge. I desire to be a leader to my team as the team leader. I yearn to demonstrate Christ and glorify God with my demeanor and actions, and with my words in ways that won't get me fired!

And that is only a few of the things I want to do. However, there are many tasks I 'have' to do that demand a lot of time and energy that distract me. I can only hope that God gives me the wisdom, patience, perseverance, and love needed for each day. And as Teddy Roosevelt said, "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."

Confession

I have to confess, that I feel like a complete teenage girl again. I read the Twilight series. All 4 books in about 3 weeks time. I was hooked so quickly and then just had to read them all to find out what would happen in the end. It was like having chocolate - I can't eat just one piece and it was hard to stop. I was actually a little disappointed when I finished the last book because I knew it was over. I know - sad. But I know plenty of people my age that have read them and loved them, too, so I don't feel so completely ridiculous.