Recently I was at a conference where an elder who had given the opening prayer also spoke to how important it is for us to learn from one another. He emphasized that we not only have to teach our students but we also must be open to learning from them. Later that night as I lay in bed reflecting on my day I began to think of all of the students I have had the pleasure of learning from and the many lessons they taught me. This short blog is a tribute to just a few of my greatest student teachers.
Cassidy, one of my kindergarten students, taught me this lesson early on in my career. Cassidy came to kindergarten reading at a grade 8 level. Her mother had labeled everything in their house and had begun to practice reading these labels with her from the time she was born. However, once at school Cassidy's most favourite time was centres. Cassidy taught me the importance of play.
Now, Kenneth, who I taught in grade one, loved to visit his grandpa because grandpa always made him fried eggs with lots of pepper for breakfast. Kenneth LOVED pepper. Kenneth taught me to never overlook the simple things and that a little spice in life is a good thing!
Rebecca, a grade two student of mine, struggled to read but she loved Art. During Art she would don her beret and paint pictures that rivalled Van Gogh. Rebecca taught me the importance of creativity.
Christie, a grade three student of mine, was the most reliable spell checker. Not one misspelled word got by her! Christie taught me the importance of collaboration.
Jessica lost both her mom and dad the year she was in my grade four class. Jessica taught me strength.
Cody hated drawing maps in grade five. Yet, he could name a famous landmark in every city from Kelowna to Texas. Cody's nightly routine with his dad, who was a transport truck driver, was to share these facts. Cody taught me the joy on the journey is as important as the destination.
Mitchell could not understand why I spoke in the first person to his grade six class. Mitchell taught me humility.
Gregory was one of my most dependable grade seven students, he knew one of his jobs was to display the lost and found items the morning of our monthly assemblies. Gregory taught me the importance of belonging and being a contributing member of a community.
What lessons have your students taught you and how have they shaped you as an educator? As I reflected over the course of my teaching career I realized that all of our students bring us gifts. It sometimes takes us time to be grateful for all they have taught us. The large and small lessons that make us stronger educators. I am grateful to each of these students and thousands more who have touched my life and shaped me to be the educator I am today.