"...there isn't any other job I would rather be doing."

I have the privilege of sharing a hall with two of our new special education teachers. These two teachers bring such a light to our little corner of the school. Truly, we found some "diamonds in the rough" with these two gems.

We were all commiserating over the fact that we didn't want to be at work, but the teacher across the hall leaned over and said, "I'll tell you what though, there isn't any other job I would rather be doing."

I loved that. A lot.

Yes, work gets tedious sometimes and it can become just that, work. Teaching should be (and can be) so much more than just "work" though. I was truly grateful for that innocent and positive reminder, that of all the jobs in the world, this is the one I want to do the most.

-Ms. Damron-

Starfish

We can give insomnia credit for this blog post. After three hours of no reprieve, I decided it would be best to get out of bed and do something to make myself tired. Let's just say the case of the Mondays will be real tough tomorrow.

My mom gave me a book titled, Starfish over a year ago and recommended I read it. The full title reads, "Lessons Learned from the Starfish: A Teacher's Journey with Children of Poverty." It took me over a year to read it, but I highly recommend it to any and all teachers. And parents. And anyone really. 

I have been struggling with a student in one of my classes and this book came at just the right time. Each chapter I read humbles me and reminds me that every single child has a story. Every child wants and craves love. 

In all honesty, I have had a true hard heart regarding this particular child. She has decided she hates me and my class, and it's basically reciprocated on my end. I can't even take a step back and look at ways to build a relationship because I don't want to. 

I have two schools of thought right now: 

(1) I can't connect with every student and maybe this is finally the student that will teach me that lesson.

(2) This child needs serious love and connection. She is testing me and if I can push through her wall, we can grow and learn together - and maybe, just maybe, I can show her that she can learn and be successful. 

Those are complete opposite schools of thought, and which idea wins depends on the minute of the day. 

Here are the author's concluding thoughts [which I desperately needed to read tonight],

I count my blessings every day for the children put in my care. Some will be well cared for at home, and some will be from broken homes. Some will be hopelessly poor, and some will feel safe. Some will be scared and some will be angry. Some will be happy, and some will be broken. But they will all be children who need someone to care about them, to listen to their needs, and to lift them up. I can teach them to love to learn, and I can teach them to care about others, but mostly, I can teach them that they matter - that every single one of them matters. 

Teaching is the hardest, most exhausting, sometimes painful, heart=breaking, but most fulfilling career you can ever choose. It's a calling, and it's not for the weak or puny or selfish. As I walk along the beach of life and see each little childlike starfish fighting for a chance to survive, for a chance to learn, for a chance to thrive, I am so grateful that I can be their caregiver, their mentor, their friend, their cheerleader, their coach, their confidant, their hand-holder. But mostly, I am so grateful every day that I have been chosen to be their teacher. I realize I can't save every small soul, but shoe who have touched my life, I love dearly. Oh, I do hope that others, who will lovingly reach out to the starfish in their care, will answer the call. God bless each precious little child, each precious starfish.  

Prayer is a real thing, and I will be praying for several things tomorrow, including the power to stay awake, to stay kind, and to have a change of heart to build a relationship with a broken and hurting angsty teenager. 

-Ms. Damron-

"Sparkle"

I have had a GOOD couple of weeks teaching. Despite having the shortest winter break I've had in a long time, I came back feeling ready to go! It was a great feeling. I've also had such a great start to 2018. Having a prep period every day does AMAZING things. I am actually able to prepare lessons in advance! Who would have thought? haha
As well as being prepared lesson-wise, my lessons have been going really well. My students have been grasping content and we have been in a good flow. Class has been pretty chill, we've had fun, and kids are learning! I realize this will not last forever, but I am riding this wave while it lasts! Eventually I will have to do more than just lesson prep (IEPs are coming up, I need to write tests/test trackers, and I need to submit/update unit plans...), but I sure am feeling good about things right now!

I wanted to share a few cute stories before I forget them. This blog is my only memory-keeping outlet for teaching stories, so it's important to stay caught up.

Jan. 2018
*student raises hand*
Female student: Ms. Damron, I just have to get this off my chest...
Me: Okay...
Female student: Every time you start something new, your eyes just sparkle. And I'm sorry, but I just had to tell you.
*another student nods in agreement*
Me: You had to "get off your chest" the fact that every time I introduce something new I get really excited and my eyes sparkle?
Female student: Yes.

*internally (and externally) beaming because you better BELIEVE I took that as a compliment.

Dec. 2017
*student complains about school*
Male student: I don't know why I came to school today.
Female student: ...to get an EDUCATION?
*female student gives male student theeee most "NO DUH" look ever*

A few moments later
Male student: Ain't nobody walking past this class!
Female student: That's because everybody is learning but YOU.
*female student rolls eyes dramatically*

Dec. 2017
*student asks about math courses next year*
Me: You will take another algebra class next year and then you'll take geometry.
Female student: With you though, right?
Me: No. I don't teach that one. You'll have me the next year though.
Student: Nope. I'm not taking it. I'm going to specifically ask for you. I'm not taking another math class if you're not my teacher.


There have been SO many stories, but I need to do a better job of sharing them. I have to say that teaching is finally a passion again. We aaallll know it was a ROUGH beginning, but I am finding my groove and I love love LOVE my students. They make me laugh, bring me such joy, and challenge me every day. I'm grateful I have a job that stimulates my mind and allows me to serve others. I also enjoy the perks of days off! Three day weekends should be a weekly thing.

-Ms. Damron-