Significant Relationships

Every student has had teachers or a teacher who stands apart from the others; who impacted them in some way. I have had some amazing teachers throughout my life, which makes it hard to choose just one to write about...But I had one teacher who helped change my life. This teacher was my 8th grade History teacher at North Ridge Middle School, Ms. McDonald.

Ms. McDonald was passionate about her students. She truly cared. That alone is something that separates her from many teachers. She would come in very early and stay late just do accommodate her needy 8th graders. She never gave up. She would push her students until all of them were doing their best. Ms. McDonald never raised her voice, she was never condescending, she never underestimated us. All these qualities are great, but these aren't what separates her from other good teachers. What separates her is that she formed relationships with her students. She formed trust . We all knew that we could always come to her if we needed anything. It's so amazing because she didn't even have to verbally tell us, we just knew. Her compassion for our well being wasn't hard to see. She is one of the main reasons why my 8th grade year was the best year. She supported me when I needed it. Her classroom quickly became my safe haven at school. I would find myself there in between classes and after school, it eventually became routine. She expected me to come and didn't mind my company.  I had never been able to open up to anyone, but she was different. She wasn't judgmental. She was almost like a friend. She was and is an amazing teacher, and she definitely changed my life!

As for my future career in teaching and how I plan on impacting students... is I plan on being an open book. I want to tell them how it is so they know they can trust what I have to say. I want them to know that they can trust me, because I really believe that trust is the basis for everything. I want them to know me well enough, that they know that I will always be there to support them. I will be there whenever they need encouragement. I will be there even if it's something insignificant like needing a new pencil. Rather it be big or small, I want them to not be afraid to talk to me about it or ask me questions. As a teacher it is your job to help these students learn and to become well rounded people. I believe that it will make everything easier if the students trust you. They will listen as you teach and they will take what you say seriously. And hopefully one day they will trust you enough to talk to you about whatever they might need, so that now you will have the opportunity to lead them in the right path and be a positive role model. Because sometimes that's all someone needs.

Click here to watch a video about a man explaining the importance of teachers and students relationships. And how individualization is key all by talking about yoga but extending the metaphor to education.