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Learning from students I’m 24 years old and have 17 children, or at least that is what I tell everyone! You have to keep a sense of humor when you’re a school teacher. Being a first-year teacher in fourth grade, I learned many lessons from each student. Video games (Game Cube and X-Box, not Nintendo) and MTV/VH1 shows (“Cribs,” “TRL,” “Real World”) rule their world. Today’s kids know more about “life” than some doctors, nurses or police officers. However, kids long for good old-fashioned love and attention. Many people say, “Oh, she’s just a teacher.” They do not understand what real teaching looks like. Eight hours (really 15!) of everyday are spent teaching the curriculum and having “no child left behind,” but that is only part of reality. The real lesson that I learned (from 17 teachers) was that I am more than “just a teacher.” I practice many professions such as counselor, surrogate parent, motivational speaker, nurse, fashion expert, relationship specialist, psychologist, cheerleader, coach (especially football), disciplinarian, mentor and friend. On the last day of school, I received several notes, letters and cards. One letter said, “I’m so lucky to have you as my teacher. Thank you for all you’ve done. I love you like a Mom.” Being a teacher is a tiring, emotional and exhausting rollercoaster of a profession. However, it is an awesome responsibility, and I love learning lessons everyday. Maria Merritt |
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