Thankful: Students who keep me relevant
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Every year in November, I try to post on Facebook a daily expression of my thankfulness. This year, I’ve decided to go one step further and blog daily with these thankful posts. Considering how overwhelmed I’ve been lately, I thought this series would do one of two things. First, it would force me to write every day which is a source of therapy for me. Secondly, it would help me focus on all the wonderful things and people I have in my life.
I have been a teacher (officially) since 2000. But I would say I’ve been a teacher all my life. I forced my little brother to play school, I made up worksheets and filled them in for my stuffed animals, I taught VBS and Sunday School. Just about any one who would allow me to teach, well, I taught ’em.
These days, I’m teaching from the comforts of the hallway of our house surrounded by minions I created as well as the running dryer, dishwasher, and baby monitor. It’s hard for me to stay down with the 411 from the confines of my little people world.
I teach online high school and freshman composition. I’m lucky enough to have students who will chat with me for more than just the purpose of getting help with an assignment. It’s through these conversations that I find a way to stay relevant and up with the times.
May seem like something trivial, but it matters. When I was in the face-to-face classroom, it wasn’t hard to know what was going on out in the “real” world. I could listen in on their conversations, or they’d teach me the newest dance moves. (Yes, I danced. I was co-captain of the faculty cheerleading squad, thank you very much.)
These days, I do my best to keep up with the music trends, television shows, and YouTube stars. Thankfully, my tween helps me know some of what’s happening. But I’m thankful for students who are willing to talk with me and keep me from becoming that old fuddy duddy teacher.
