The Heart of a Teacher

I always have a hard time, this time of year, with all the children and young people preparing to go back to school.  I absolutely loved school, both as a student and as a teacher.  I still teach but not in the public school classroom.  I love working with all of my students, but there's still something about that building, the room, the desks, and the bells that I just miss.  The feeling will pass in a few weeks, and I'll be glad that I am where I am, but for these next few days I'll reminisce and dream just a little while.

I came across this in my mailbox today, and I thought it was so exactly right for most of us who have chosen this profession.  Enjoy!



An excerpt from The Heart of a Teacher by Paula Fox

The child arrives like a mystery box... with puzzle pieces inside some of the pieces are broken or missing... and others just seem to hide But the HEART of a teacher can sort them out... and help the child to see the potential for greatness he has within... a picture of what he can be Her goal isn't just to teach knowledge... by filling the box with more parts it's putting the pieces together... and creating a work of art The process is painfully slow at times... some need more help than others each child is a work in progress... with assorted shapes and colors First she creates a classroom... where the child can feel safe in school where he never feels threatened or afraid to try... and kindness is always the rule She knows that a child can achieve much more when he feels secure inside when he's valued and loved... and believes in himself ...and he has a sense of pride She models and teaches good character... and respect for one another how to focus on strengths...not weaknesses and how to encourage each other She gives the child the freedom he needs... to make choices on his own so he learns to become more responsible... and is able to stand alone He's taught to be strong and think for himself... as his soul and spirit heal and the puzzle that's taking shape inside... has a much more positive feel The child discovers the joy that comes... from learning something new... and his vision grows as he begins to see all the things that he can do A picture is formed as more pieces fit... an image of the child within with greater strength and confidence... and a belief that he can win! All because a hero was there... in the HEART of a teacher who cared enabling the child to become much more... than he ever imagined...or dared A teacher with a HEART for her children... knows what teaching is all about she may not have all the answers... but on this...she has no doubt When asked which subjects she loved to teach, she answered this way and smiled... "It's not the subjects that matter... It's all about teaching the CHILD." http://store.simpletruths.com/teacher-appreciation

We Should Seize Every Opportunity to give Encouragement.

Encouragement is Oxygen to the Soul.

In Especially for a Woman, Ann Kiemel Anderson writes her sister:  "Jan taught 3rd grade once, a long time ago.  One bright-eyed boy would stand at her desk, watch her, talk to her, and all the while wrapping his finger around a piece of her hair into a little curl.  He thought Jan was the shining star in the night.  Over and over, however, he did poorly in his work assignments and daily quizzes.

"One day Jan stopped, looked at him, and said, 'Rodney, you are very smart.  You could be doing so well in school.  In fact, you are one of my finest students...'  Before she could continue to tell him that he should be doing much better in school...he looked up at her with sober, large eyes:  "I did not know that!"

"From that moment on, Rodney began to change.  His papers were neater, cleaner and his spelling improved.  He was one of her top students--all because she affirmed him.  She told him something no one ever had before, and it changed his life."

Nobody every became ill or died from receiving too much genuine praise and encouragement.  But who can count the wounded hearts, weary souls, and troubled minds that have resulted from their lack!

As we prepare for the beginning of our new school year, especially now, let's all remember that it only takes a little effort, a few words from us to make a difference in another person's life. 

A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth; and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!

Proverbs 15:23



It's Gonna Be a Great Day!

What lies behind us and what lies before are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.

- William Morow



I have had a week!  Lot's of activity in preparation for the back-to-school activities of the church that I work for:  meetings, phone calls, sending things in the mail, lunches, and more meetings.  I had many private conversations with people that really took a lot out of me.  By yesterday, I felt as if there was not much left for me.  It was time to fill my bucket.

I spent some time writing.  I love to write and put my thoughts and feelings down on paper.  It's a good way to get them all out of my head where I can really examine them.  It can also be a way to go back at some point in the future and see where I was. 

I read a book, or part of one.  I love to read mysteries.  Putting the pieces of the puzzle together to figure out who did it are always a fun and relaxing time for me. 

I spent some time in prayer and talking with God.  I took a lot of those things I'd written down and passed them on to the one who can actually do something about them.

I sat on my deck, since it wasn't so hot outside, and watched two squirrels chase each other around the trees and then lay nose to nose on a branch just off my deck to rest.  I listened to the birds sing and talk to each other.  I watched a couple of butterflies flit around the bushes.  And then I watched the storm clouds build.

I mowed my yard.  It is not a favorite activity of mine but one that needed to be done and always makes me feel so good when it is finished. 

I talked with my son about his computer project and learned that, after five years of planning, his creation is nearly done.  I marveled at his dedication and ability.

I finished the day by watching a good, favorite movie. 

When I laid down in my bed, I realized that my bucket had, indeed, been almost entirely filled.  Nothing majorly important took place.  No lotteries won or specific prayers answered.  But I was renewed.

We all need 'down' time like this.  It is easy to forget that when we're lying on our deathbed we will not be concerned about how many meetings we had or how many programs we created.  We will be filled with the relationships we have created and maintained.  We cannot build those relationships if we have nothing left of ourselves to give.  We must fill our own buckets before we can fill anyone else's.

It really was a great day! I wonder what today will bring?