Be the Educator You Needed

It's the end of First Quarter and kids in all grades are stressed -- many of them silently -- because of missing work and poor test grades that have been following them around for weeks. Though smart, I was a terrible student and for years I put so much of my value on my performance in the classroom, feeling like a total failure because I could never seem to stay on top of everything.

For kids today, this is the first "normal-ish" year they've had since 2018. Most teens in a typical year have not figured out how to study or manage their time. After the pandemic?? Forget about it.

I know that I am oblivious to so many of my students' needs and I used to be a total blanket grader, but I try so hard to teach each kid individually. In my classroom I allow re-takes, I take late work (with very little penalty), and I create different ways for kids to show me that they're learning. I encourage kids to come to me and say, "I didn't do the work and need more time." or "I bombed that and I need to try again."

I watch for kids that are getting behind or abusing the generosity, but I don't understand teachers who are proud that they stayed firm and did not work with a student to bring up their grade (the grade being the least of my worries.. I want to know that they're actually absorbing the Theology). I also don't understand parents who stay aloof throughout the quarter, freak out at progress report time, and then sink back into the night when its time to form good academic habits. Students need individualized learning and support.

Today I gave my classes a workday to catch up on my or any other classes. Not every kid needs it. But to those who struggle, it can be a Godsend. I'm so thankful to work in a small school that allows me the time and ability to teach like this. So many of my fellow teachers are overworked, underpaid, and unable to offer this kind of approach. And I am just getting to the point in my career where I am becoming the kind of teacher I needed as a kid. Slowly but surely.