This week, I have to practice what I preach. My students are the kind of students who have had trouble in school when "life gets in the way." Every day I encourage them to reach their goals and not give up--keep plugging through "Macbeth" or whatever they may be working on.
This week, I will have to lead by example. My life is getting in the way of all of my obligations. My Gram is dying and I spent most of spring break with her. The funeral could be any time now and the pressure and grief is mounting.
But...I still have senior papers to review, I still have a parent to meet with today during planning, I still have to give G his assignments for "A Raisin in the Sun." And, most of all, I have to prepare to be gone at any time. And this is where I have to trust that I have taught my students how to continue even without my guidance at every turn. Isn't that what I really want for them afterall? I want them to be able to guide themselves, turn to each other as resources and follow the plans I have left for them. That is what self-pace, non-traditional education is all about.
But for now, I try to remain present, remain their teacher during the hours I am here and push them like there's no tomorrow!!!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
You are doing all you can do, and the answer I have to your question, is yes. That is our ultimate goal--to teach them to take the lead when we aren't there. It's kind of like parenting, I would imagine. I'm thinking of you during your time of uncertainty.
ReplyDeleteHeather