Written in their own words…

My hubby(Matt) and I were cleaning out some old baskets today and we stumbled upon a paper he had written in one of his Education Specialist classes.  He was required to write a one page paper about his beliefs on education.  As I read the paper, I thought it would be great to share on my blog.  Matt was a little apprehensive about sharing his paper to the entire world, but I reassured him that it was perfect.

A little background information…Matt’s father was a teacher.  He died within months of finding out he had cancer.  He was only 52 years old when he died.  Matt and his family were shocked with the outpour of letters and kind words about his father.  One evening, we sat down and read them all.  It was evident that his father’s life was very important and he had positively impacted so many people.  It became clear that teaching is probably one of the most important professions there is.

Here is Matt’s paper…

The Impact of a Much Loved Teacher

 

To have known my father, is to have known his larger than life persona, his love and devotion to his family, his passion and love of teaching, his contagious and silly personality, his love of gorillas and his uncanny ability to build uncommon bonds with all who came into contact with him.  Those who spoke of him spoke reverently of his teaching abilities, his zest for life, his genuine interest in others, and his humor.

 

After my father’s untimely passing at the tender age of 52, I vividly recall the outpouring of love and support we received from colleagues, former colleagues, administrators, parents, and students.  The school at which he taught thought so highly of him as to dedicate a courtyard garden in his honor and memory..  The garden was created to serve as a serene place for students and staff to enjoy.  As on meandered through the garden, one couldn’t help but notice a very large, almost life size gorilla sitting there on a park bench.  For those who knew my father, especially his students, this was a perfect way to honor his memory.

 

I believe the single most important characteristic that often times is overlooked by a teacher is fostering an uncommon bond that transcends the school environment.  My father’s legacy as a much loved teacher will live on as exemplified by the numerous letters we received from past and current students.  Here are some examples written in their own words:

“He had this joy for living that would always seem to spread, whether it was from his teaching or his laughter.  Sometimes, I wish I could be as happy and giving as he was.”

“Even though I had a very small opportunity to tell you how important you were to me, I know now that I want to be just like you and touch kids lives the way you touched mine.”

“You were my inspiration and you will live on in me forever.”

“You have been the only teacher in my life that has seen my faults and didn’t let me live with them.”

“I LOVE YOU and know that I will one day see you again.  One more thing, thank you for being the best teacher and best friend you could be!”

“They say that there is always that one person in life that sticks out more than others and to me that person has always been you.”

“What a great person you are.  I don’t think teachers realize how much they affect their student’s lives.  You teach us more than textbook knowledge:” you teach us lessons in life.”

 

I believe that building rapport, acknowledging each and every child, and establishing relationships between the teacher and student are the keys to a successful school environment.  The ability to establish trust and foster communication with your students inspires a child to achieve more.  I believe that my father knew the secret to student success: relationships.  I am constantly reminded of the power of the teaching profession through the words, thoughts, and gestures of those who were fortunate enough to come in contact with my father.  In closing, as a teacher and an aspiring principal, I believe that curriculum is a component to a successful school environment, but the most important strategy a teacher can have is how they relate to each and every child they encounter.

 

I know that most of us dread going back to school this week and enjoy our time off, so I thought this would be the perfect time to share this paper.  I also know that so many of us are trying to decide what to teach this week as well.  I think it is so important to remember that it isn’t necessarily the curriculum that is the most important part of being a successful teacher, it is just YOU being YOU.  How you relate to your students and the relationship that forms between you and each child is the key to SUCCESS.  If your students know that you care about them, they will learn.  Take this week and enjoy your students, TALK to them about their Christmas break, ask them how they are doing, acknowledge their presence…make them feel IMPORTANT.  After you do all of this…go teach them something!