From the Heart of a Student Teacher

As my semester of student teaching comes to an end, I find myself joyful and quietly wishing I could extend it just one more day.  I have become accustomed to the hustle of getting ready each morning, the sweet smile from the school secretary as I arrive, and the short walk up those stairs to the third grade classroom I've called home for the past five months.  But yet, my heart is torn between the career that lies ahead and the 31 students that I will never forget.  In an attempt to capture the feelings and memories that bind me to this class, I give you a list of what I've learned.

As a student teacher, I've learned...

1. I have never been more sure of my calling.  I was meant to be a teacher.

2.  Every child is truly a blessing.  Every child.  Even the one that knows exactly how to make your day miserable.  And does.  Every day.

3.  The child that causes the most trouble in class, usually has the most trouble at home. 

4.  "Trouble at home" can take many forms:  no food, no clean clothes, no mother, no father, no parents at all.  Or worse, parents that abuse you.

5.  Standing up in front of a class requires hours of preparation.  Long hours.

6.  Sometimes you have to be willing to stop mid-lesson and say, "Class, this isn't working.  Let's do it a different way."  And that's perfectly okay.

7.  Your cooperating teacher is giving her class to you.  Share it wisely.

8.  A smile goes a long way to a student who feels overwhelmed by that math test.

9.  Most of the time, a simple tap on a desk is better than shouting "I said BE QUIET!"  The end result is usually the same. 

10.  Sometimes, answering God's call to serve His children means you miss out on special events with your children.  This can be overwhelming.

11.  Don't yell at the third grader who is always late.  He can't drive himself.

12.  Stickers make everything better.

13.  Third graders are still babies.  They still wet their pants in class. 

14.  Technology will fail (usually when your supervisor is observing).

15.  It's okay to mess up.  Kids will realize you are a real person.

16.  Teachers are far more than teachers.  They are mothers, fathers, counselors, doctors, maids, comedians, dancers, pastors, and friends.

17.  Loving your students means being willing to discipline them when needed (even the best behaved in the class messes up).

18.  Pencil sharpeners are evil.

19.  Hot glue guns will burn you.

20.  Sometimes the worst-behaved child will surprise you.  He'll secretly slip a note on your desk that simply says "I'm sorry."

21.  Encouraging a child to try harder on a test instead of giving "hints" usually pays off for the child.  Watching the "light bulb" moment is indescribable. 

22.  It's fun to watch students succeed.  It's even more fun to tell them you knew they would. 

23.  There can never be enough Kleenex in a classroom.  Or Lysol.  Or sanitizer.

24.  Third grade girls can start their periods.  Be ready with an answer.

25.  Giving a kid a chance to redeem his behavior doesn't show weakness; it shows grace.

26.  P.E. is a God-given blessing.  Enjoy every minute.

27.  Laminating can be addictive.

28.  Diet Coke is a necessity.

29.  Teachers never get to use the bathroom.

30.  Students will notice everything about you.  And ask you about it without hesitation.

31.  Kids tell all their parents' business. 

32.  Kids like to teach each other.  Use this to help you!

33.  The child who tells you on the way in the door "Mrs. Browning, my mom didn't give me my medicine!"  is giving you a warning.  Get ready.

34.  Always say "good morning" with a smile to each child.

35.  Teach them to stand up and say the Pledge of Allegiance with respect.

36.  It is impossible for a child to learn if they haven't eaten.  Have snacks on hand.

37.  Third graders need deodorant.  And a bath. 

38.  Cat litter soaks up vomit quickly.

39.  Rainy day carpool stinks.

40.  Bullying is a very real problem.

41.  A game of Simon Says passes the time quickly while waiting in the hall.  It also keeps students quiet.

42.  High fives and happy dances are a must in my classroom.

43.  All the late nights, essays, research papers, tests, field experiences, and student teaching were worth it.  I am a teacher. 

These are just some of the many things I have learned over this semester.  Of all these, I am most happy to share that I learned God is very present in public schools.  I know because I took Him with me every single day.  I saw Him in the smile from the school secretary.  I saw Him in the smiles from other teachers.  I felt Him as teachers prayed over me the day before my comps.  I felt Him in the hug from the child who now has a DHR file with my name as a contact.  I saw Him in the prayers of the two children who bowed their heads and said a blessing together at lunch every single day.  I saw Him in the eyes of every child in my classroom.  His handiwork is apparent in each of them.

I am so blessed to have been a part of this class and I can't wait to see what's next.