Teaching is an incredibly rewarding career...you hear that a lot. You may have also heard that it's an incredibly frustrating career, where one is constantly second guessing oneself, asking questions like: Did I teach that correctly? Did it sink in? Did I do it in the right order? Am I covering all the necessary curricular outcomes? Will they be ready for the next level by the end of this year? And the most common question: WHY AREN'T THEY GETTING IT?!?!
But occasionally, there are these little moments, these gems, that stand out and show you that you really have been teaching them something valuable all along, and more importantly, they HAVE been paying attention!
Today we had a debate in Social Studies class. We listed all of the benefits of the Canadian Pacific Railway (connected the country, improved transportation, resources, travel, communication, economy, etc.) and all of the negative impacts (the mistreatment of Chinese workers including wage slavery and deaths, etc.). They were asked this question: Do the benefits of the CPR outweigh the negative impacts? Then they had to stand on one side of the classroom if they thought yes, and the other side if they thought no. A debate ensued after the students sat and thought deeply about which side to go to (the longest I've ever seen them lost in thought). They were conflicted and tried to take middle ground but I wouldn't let them. I listened to their arguments and counter-arguments just about beaming as they spouted facts learned in class and connections from other subjects. Not only have their debate skills improved immensely, so has their critical thinking and perspective taking. I believe, it is entirely possible to teach empathy as a skill and if critical thinking and empathy are the only two things I've taught this year that will stick...well, I'd say that's still a job well done.
After our debate, we headed to the park, laughing and joking as we walked together, not as a classroom, but as a cohesive community. My student who hasn't smiled in a while decided she wanted to skip, so I started skipping with her and soon the whole class followed along, skipping down the sidewalk, collecting all kinds of stares, without a care in the world. My student was so happy, they were all so happy, which of course, made me incredibly happy. If I could collect moments and put them in a jar, this one would fill it. :)
We are often so hard on ourselves as people and professionals, and it's so easy to see all the areas that need improvement or that have come up short. (Which of course, drives us to do better next time). But I believe it's important to also take stock of all the things that we are doing right.
I have taught my students to love literature (even the boys!).
I have taught my students that stories are told to teach us a lesson, to learn something about the world, not just for entertainment.
I have taught my students that their opinions are valid and deserve the opportunity to be shared.
I have taught my students the importance of community.
I have taught my students to think for themselves, to form their own opinions, to share what's inside their head and not what's on Wikipedia (that took a while).
I have taught them that learning is fun and asking questions is what allows you to learn more!
I have taught them the meaning of the word "empowerment" and what it's like to feel "disempowered."
I have expanded their world view outside their tiny bubbles.
I have taught them that they are all important, that they matter, and they have the potential to achieve their dreams.
I have also taught them how to play "The Game" and "Telephone Pictionary" which as we all know, are lifelong skills.
I think I've done alright for my first year. I couldn't be more proud of all of them. I never want a different career. Not ever.
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