She showed up the period after her class and I could see she was extremely upset and had been crying. She missed an exam but I could see that was not what was bothering her. I told her I knew she was upset and unhappy and the exam didn't matter as much as she did. I wanted her to do well in math but more importantly, I wanted her to do well in life, and to be happy. I don't know exactly what her troubles are but I do know this girl has seen more and suffered more in her 15 years of life than a lot of us will see and suffer with in our entire lives. My eyes got teary when I spoke to he.
First she said, "Ms Pod, don't cry" and then she said, "Ms. Pod, do you need a hug?" and she hugged me. This from a girl that would not let anyone touch her a few months ago.
I might not be able to get her to pass math (but I have hopes because she is bright.) I might be able to help her learn to cope and to trust some of the adults in her life.
6 comments:
It is good that you are a female. Male teachers who hug a female student can find himself in the "rubber room".
Females too, but sometimes you just have to take a chance.
What's wrong with you!!!!
Don't you know that our job is to make sure these students pass regardless of what's going on in their lives??? We are told that their well-being is not our concern. We are told to ignore their pain and that students are not to be treated as "whole". Just jam those facts into them in time for the test!!! What does it matter if they are making progress but it might take them a little longer to grasp these subjects especially when there are underlying factors in their daily lives??
It's all about test scores and nothing else. Your AP would have your head for this action.
Of course if more teachers were like you, schools would be a place for both personal growth and learning. But the DoE will have none of that!!
You are right schoolgal. I guess it is good that I am ready to retire soon.
OMG!! I had no idea you had finally made up your mind. I know some of your posts had been leaning in that direction.
I am glad you waited til Suit left the building. You will enjoy retirement (although I am sure you will still be working the college job) and will love traveling when the rates are lower.
Hope you will still get the feedback on the happenings in Packemin High and be able to blog about them.
I haven't made up my mind and I am not going this year. Sorry to have mislead you.
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