There are some days in a teacher's career where when the final bell rings and students scurry home, or in my case, to the local park to engage in delinquent behavior (Aurora- enough said), that a teacher will question the very reason she entered this profession. These days leave us exhausted, frustrated, bitter, or worse yet, indifferent. Unfortunately, I admit that this profession has left me a little jaded.
Apathetic and broken students, who are just trying to survive life, much less, learn standard English conventions, break my heart. I know the future that awaits them if they continue on their path. It's pretty bleak.
Coworkers, who seemingly hate kids, break students' confidence, love for learning, and willingness to work on their issues. They negate any strides I could have made with the students mentioned above.
Then, there are parents- parents who have done nothing for their child, except set them up for imminent failure. Unexcused absences, no accountability, selfishness- whatever the reason, they single-handedly shatter their child's self-esteem and ability to succeed. It is these parents that make my heart hurt. These people are supposed to be their child's advocate. Instead of cheering their child on, I am seeing more and more parents who are simply failing them.
But today is a day of celebration, not frustration.
Today restored my faith in parents, specifically fathers. I have a student, we'll call him John*, who moved here from another state. He was living with his mother in a severely unstable home. His wrap sheet from his previous school was a mile long, and truthfully, my first thought when I saw my "New Student Email" was pure terror. This kid is going to be tough. As a last ditch effort to help John, the courts sent him to live with his father here in Aurora. He had not seen his father in about 10 years. Nervously willing, Bill* agreed to take custody of his troubled son.
It's been tough. Real tough. On all of us.
But today, as John, his teachers, his principal, and his father sat conferencing about his recent infraction, tears began to well inside. As I watched Bill sternly talk to his son, I realized This father was a real man. Yes, he's been absent from John's life for 10 years. Yes, he should have been there all along. And yes, he carries some of the responsibility in John being the way he is, but man, has this father stepped up to the plate now. He is leading his son in the right direction. He is not backing down when John challenges him. He is loving his son, despite his temper and aggression. He is single-handedly giving his son a chance to make-it. I do what I can, and I'm not belittling what I or any other teacher do, but he, this father, recognized his own legacy on his son and as a result, is changing the course of history. Now, with utmost confidence and conviction, I know John is going to make-it.
Today, I am proud to be a teacher and get to work alongside fathers, and mothers, and any other adult who steps up and advocates for a child. They are challenging my jadedness with this profession.
As Bill walked out of the principal's office, his son in tote, I said a silent prayer.
God- Give him and every other parent who is doing it the right way, the strength and wisdom to lead their kids. Bless them, Father.
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