A snapshot from the teaching trenches. It's teacher
appreciation week and the PTA at my school has plastered the hallways on the
ground floor with big yellow stars on black squares like the Hollywood Walk of
Fame. In the middle of the star is a teacher/staff member's name. At my school
that means over 100 stars. It's eye catching.
With a student population of over 1,000, I still have my
favorites. Children who have crossed my path for one reason or another. One is
a little African American girl who started with us in 3rd grade and who is now
in 5th. My very first interaction with her was during one of our testing
windows. It was a very stressful day and I was abrupt in responding to her
question--not mean or upset in any way, just in a hurry quick--and she burst
into quiet tears. That'll get my attention every time.
I have since learned that she is on the spectrum of Autism
and receives support services. But let me tell you something else about this
child--she is remarkable. It may be that all that is wonderful in her mind
doesn't proceed from her efforts as easily as it does for most other children,
but she holds a very special inner glow.
In the time between our first unfortunate encounter and
today, I have gently interacted with her in appropriate moments only--nothing
forced or special, but moments well invested. Just now, I passed her in the
hallway and she uncharacteristically looked me straight in the eyes and said
with a smile, "You're a star!" A little star floating in this amazing
galaxy!
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