Those days where it's all worth it!

'Twas the last day of finals and all through the class, not a student was talking they were all focused on the task.

So, I teach a group of 8 struggling readers a literacy class and I have got to say that I, along with my teaching partner Mrs. P, have had many of those days where we wonder if we are making any progress at all. Some days banging our heads against a brick wall would accomplish more...ok, that might be a bit of a stretch but for those of you who have kids or have ever worked with kids, you know what I'm talking about.

Then, you read a students work and know that mid way through one of their sentences that every minute you've worked with them, gone to battle with them over completing an assignment or trying to get them to turn their phone off was completely, 100% worth it. Today our students had to answer 4 reflective prompts about the various things we did throughout the term. And, let me tell you, with no word of a lie, some days if we can get some of them to write 2 sentences, it feels like we've just successfully summited Mt. Everest!

Today we did not only summit Mt. Everest, but I think we successfully climbed the tallest mountain on each of the 7 continents! Without going into too much detail, J wrote about how much he liked this class and how much he has learned and improved over the past 4 1/2 months while at the same time admitting that he didn't always put much effort into some of his work or was not as cooperative and productive as he could/should be.

It's moments like these where I know that what I do makes a difference. Maybe not for all, and likely not every day but even those 2 steps forward and one step back days keep us moving in the right direction. It's  not about the money, the benefits, the holidays, the being able to make it to your kids game after school on time, teaching is about progress. Making a difference for a child, young or old, helping them build life long skills that will, one day, make a difference for them when they sit down to read a book to their own child. It's about not needing to hear "thank you for all you do", it's about reading that 1 sentence that tells you that doing what you do each and every day, has made a difference. It's about the relationships that we make with these kids and letting them know in whatever way you do, that I am there for you, I'll listen to you, I'll respect you (even when you drive me a little crazy! It makes me feel proud as I know I am a part of their lives when they tell me stories about their family, friends, relationships, problems, or even getting that nod from them when they walk down the hall with their friends. Because at that moment, you know that you're an important part of their life and yes, I have made a difference.

Today, that is what I'm thankful for...my students and what they do.

Darryl