Why I Teach

Today I spoke at an Educator's Conference. While I was speaking at one of my sessions one person caught my eye. I have seen that look she had in her eyes. Usually, it was in one of my students. But this was a grown women I saw it in.

I use my experience with my son's learning disability to explain a lot of my teaching style. When I mentioned what my son struggles with this lady perked up. That confirmed to me why I saw that look in her eyes. I knew what she struggled with. After the session I was signing forms for the attendees and this lady whisper to me she had a question.

I usually stay in my room to answer questions other feel to intimidated to ask in front of a group during q & a. This lady handed me a note and walked out of the room. After everyone left I read it. It was on a crumpled piece of paper. The writing was beautiful. Because it showed me again, why I teach. The words were spelled in a unique fashion. It just made me smile. Her letter was simple:
My name is _______. I have ________. No one helped me in school. I was medicated and stuck in the back of a room and never really learned anything. I still can hardly write, or spell, and I hate to read. I am a teacher's aid so I can help other kids not feel like I did.

Then she thanked me for what I do help other teachers to help students with learning challenges.

My heart just ached after I read her letter. What I saw in her eyes was what I have seen in so many children's eyes when they "don't get it". The reason I am the teacher I am is because of my brother, a former student, and son. His teachers were to stupid (sorry but it's true) to see what was right in front of their face. A boy who was bright, but just needed alittle extra help and patience. Instead he was labeled dumb and would never amount to anything. Then, there was Marcie. She wanted to learn, but she had a "fog" she couldn't see through. I loved this little girl!! I learned patience with her and understanding. Finally My son...he is amazing. And so smart!!! I push him! I make him work and never let him settle for less than his best. He he has made strides this year that have surprised everyone. Not me though...that probably sounds arrogant. But it's true. If you have every worked with someone who is challenged you know they can do it. You just have to stand beside them and hold their hand instead of dragging them along. So, I have stood by these individuals and now we all four walk together to pass on alittle wisdom to others who choose to listen to my mindless babel about making a difference.

So, my precious note I received today reminded me Why I teach...