Connection & Empathy; The Keys to Teaching

For me, over the years, there have been several children that I've made a special connection with. Many times these children cross the threshold of my classroom and are struggling in one way or another. Maybe it is a struggle at home with family discord. Maybe it is an internal struggle; an emotional struggle. Maybe it's a physical struggle. Whatever the struggle may be, these children have found their way into my heart. As a teacher there are clear boundaries set between us and our students. However, as the days, weeks and months go by, it is challenging to separate ourselves from them. We know them so well. We feel their pain; we are warmed by their achievements; we are connected. Empathy. Empathy comes from having this connection. It's not something you can teach, however it is surely something you can model for students. Teachers NEED empathy. It's like a 6th sense that we use to identify when our students are hurting or in need of attention. We don't rescue them, instead we provide our students with skills to help themselves. Teachers see their students as a WHOLE person. Therefore it is not only important for us to teach them during school hours, but it is important that we impart information and education to their families as well. A good teacher will do this and see it as a priority. See, our students aren't just names; our students aren't just numbers. Our students aren't just a list we receive at the end of the summer. They are individuals who are filled with promise, no matter how much emotional, or physical baggage they come to us with. It is our job to create opportunities for them to utilize their highest potential. It is our job to model creativity and connection. It is our job to let them reach conclusions that we may not have even thought of. Most importantly, it is our job to know who each child is and what each child needs, in EVERY possible way. 

It's no wonder that over the years, there are students who I can truly say, have changed my life. Students that I think about on a regular basis and wonder how they are doing. Sometimes we are lucky enough to cross paths with them on social media or in the mall. The connection and the feelings come rushing back. The validation that we did something right; something that shaped this young adult into becoming a dentist, or a psychologist, and often, a teacher. WOW, if you are lucky enough to see the end result, there is nothing better than that!!!!!

Alysa's Top 10 of Teaching

Alysa's Top Ten Teaching Hints...

1. Look beyond the moment and SEE the good in all of your students.

2. It's never too late to change; don't fear it.

3. Always draw attention to one student's strength as opposed to another's weakness.

4. Instead of getting LOUDER, get softer and try a whisper. Students respond incredibly well to     whispers.

5. Be accepting and knowledgable of ALL learning styles.

6. Stick to a routine, no matter how tough it is!

7. BE CONSISTENT! Even though it is exhausting.

8. Know that you are not perfect and embrace it.

9. Let your peers help you become better by sharing successes and failures with them.

10. Create learning experiences where EVERYONE can succeed.

To sum it all up.....

The kids in our classroom are infinitely more significant
than the subject matter we teach.
-Meladee McCarty