and gladly would be learn and gladly teach
–Illinois State University motto
After I had announced my retirement from teaching, the school psychologist came to my classroom to wish me well. We had had some pretty deep conversations during my career and we were friends. He asked what I would do in retirement. I said I would probably work part-time or write. Unknowingly, I did begin working part-time soon after retirement, but the thought of writing stayed in my head. I did develop a title which is the title of this chapter, but never developed it any further. So now you get my random thoughts.
As far back as I can remember I wanted to become a teacher. Dad thought nursing would be a good career, but I was not interested. My parents encouraged my pursuit. Others did, too. When I was in 7th or 8th grade at Carlock Grade School I was allowed to help in kindergarten. That would never happen now! Mrs. Ragsdale was the teacher. I know she was my second grade teacher. So they must have done some switching around. I’m not sure how often I helped her, but I loved it! Another person who encouraged me was Gail Hauptman (Dad worked with her husband). She taught special needs in Peoria and asked me if I would like to visit her classroom. Would I? Of course. Interesting that my student teaching experience was in special education. How I got that assignment I’m not sure.
In the beginning I thought I wanted to be a special education teacher. Stan was convinced that I should not do that as he thought I would for sure bring those challenges home with me. Little did he know, that in teaching mainstream classrooms, challenges are brought home. It’s a never ending problem-solving career. I began focusing on teaching kindergarten, but soon discovered that required quick transitions and energy. As I look back now, God’s plan for my life, including my career, was active. He placed me right where he wanted me.
So much of what I’ve learned can be applied to education and life.
Relationship. Relationship. Relationship. So important in life and so important in teaching. A teacher must develop a relationship with each student before the student can be taught. It’s tricky. Teacher/student relationships can be developed through humor, love, a caring spirit or my most favorite means through a quick wit. I only had a few third graders who were mature enough to understand wit, but for those few who did our eyes met and a connection began. We understood each other. Developing these relationships are so important and must be started quickly as the curriculum is full (too full, I believe) and teaching must begin. I tried to notice something about each student and say something to each one every day, especially in the beginning. It takes time. The teacher must study the child to know how to begin that connection. Unfortunately, although I may have tried different avenues, I’m sure I did not reach all students which makes me sad. I still believe the best teaching and learning happens when there is a strong relationship between teacher and student.
Communication. Communication. Communication. So important in life and so important in teaching. I found communication on different levels to be important. Of course clear communication with students aids in optimal learning. Classroom expectations must be understood by the students including the consequences if they are not met. Those expectations should be voiced early and not on the fly. Assignments should be clear and especially at the elementary level both written and verbal. Finally, students should feel free to question how something is graded, how something was taught or the subject matter itself. I found that if an open relationship has been established, open communication happens more easily. I loved it when students questioned matters in the classroom. One, I knew they were listening! Two, I saw beginnings of future lawyers! Another level of communication to be an effective teacher is that communication with colleagues, principal, secretary, aides, janitor, cook and other school personnel. That communication creates community. All are important positions and should be respected for their opinions. We don’t have to like all people, but we can show love, kindness and compassion. Taking a minute here and there to say a kind word can make a world of difference.
I believe teaching really does come from the heart. It is not a get-rich career. You must love it and I did. I believe that that love was planted in my heart before I was even born by my loving God. After years of teaching it does become part of the teacher’s soul.
One more thing–hopefully my best teaching began at home with Jennifer, Julie and Andrew before I even entered the classroom. I know I did not do everything right, but neither did I in the classroom.
