Inspiration can come in any form and at any time. Nothing proved this to me more than the experience I had today with a substitute teacher. Again, my classroom was faced with a sub, and on Halloween no less, but this sub was not like other subs. This sub was a former teacher, mother of two, and a pure inspiration. She did not give in to students, but she managed to give them even more than they were asking for. This sub defined her style as fair, firm, and consistent, and I would add affectionate. Students who had this sub before knew her name. They hugged her when they walked into the room. She met some of them by name. She referred to everyone as sweetheart because, to her, all of them were sweet. All of them had the potential for greatness, and what a disservice it would be to them to not help them see it. After watching her master every class with her kindness and unyielding confidence, I stayed one and a half hours after class was over just to talk to her.
She let me in on some teaching secrets I will not soon forget. Be positive and stay positive for your own sanity and for the sake of your students. This is what I took away from our conversation. Match every negative with a bigger positive, she said, and this applied first and foremost to students. Show them the good in themselves when they cannot find it. Show them the beauty they have inside when they cannot see it. Show them their potential when they cannot recognize it. If they are pushing your buttons, put your buttons away. Don't let them see them. Your job is to help, support, and guide these children and if they are not on your side, if they are intentionally pushing your buttons, than you are not doing your job. It comes with time, she noted. And experience. Two things I am shy of right now.
What I am not shy of is a caring, genuine passion for education, and a joyous spirit. This is what she saw in me. She said if I can keep that up, all of my other problems will go away. She reminded me that these children do not need an adult teacher-friend. They need an educator, and guide, and a little love. They need support and attention. Aside from educating, these should be the top priority for teachers. Get the kids on your side and don't stop trying until you succeed. What wonderful advice. I was in need of a little inspiration today, and I got so much more. Wise words can come from anyone anytime, and I was glad I had my ears open today to hear them.
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