...I'm a good teacher!"
I am slowly, but with such persistance, reaching a point in my career where my whole world won't come crashing down whenever I have an upset parent.
In the past, I worked so hard, setting up my house of cards, trying to do it all. I can not. I love this particular post, entitled I am not superwoman! In all of its common sense, so often lost on the teaching community, it speaks about what we do, not what we can't. Too rarely are we allowed time, space or a platform to celebrate the work that we do. The doors are shut and we retreat to our rooms, sharing little to none in some school cultures!
I had a problem, particularly nagging sort, centred around one of my identified kids and his parents. Today was a moment for me - I realized that I am not a bad teacher because I have a parent who feels her child's needs are not being met. I am an excellent teacher. I still need to solve this problem. Together, perhaps, we can figure this out.
Having a parent issue is an opportunity for me to reflect on my practice, and improve upon what I am trying to do: educate her child.
Teachers are problem solvers. This is one more problem to solve. A few years/months/days ago, I would have resented this parent, crying "How dare you challenge me!!", promptly spiralling into a shame of shattered confidence. Today, though, it has rejuvinated me: I can solve this!
As ever, teaching is a work in progress. We need to keep at it in order to improve.
M.
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