So often, teachers hold much more than students’ education in their hands; they hold their self-esteem, motivation, self-belief, and hope. That is why our teaching must always be with a kind heart and gentle hands.
As you read Jermain's work below, you can imagine that how his middle-school teacher reacts to his narrative could turn him on to...or off...education for life.
Translation:
I would like people to view me as good academically and physically. The reason for this is if I was better school-wise, for example at studying, I think people would reason their in-the-classroom comments. The reason that I [am] put down physically is because when I play a sport out on the playground like football, kickball etc. I am always the last one picked and the least liked and if you don’t believe me just watch how fast I am picked and the disappointment on the captain’s face!
As author, Dr. Haim G. Ginott writes:
“I’ve come to a frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element in the classroom. It’s my personal approach that creates the climate. It’s my daily mood that makes the weather. As a teacher, I possess a tremendous power to make a child’s life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated and a child humanized or dehumanized.”
Powerful words indeed!
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