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As teachers, we inspire creativity and
individuality in our students. We create the framework of possibility in their lives.
Is it a simple task? NO! Sometimes it is a very hard task to get students to
step out of their “comfort zones” and try something new, challenging,
different. This weekend I saw a couple of my old students. They have just
completed their first year of college. I started teaching them their freshman
year of high school as a substitute and followed them off and on as their sub
through their Sr. year. It was during their 10th grade year that I
became their permanent substitute due to the original teacher becoming ill and
passing away. It was a very traumatic year for them. One of the students was
the teacher’s cousin. It was my first time to be in charge of everything in the
classroom including lesson plans. I LOVED IT!! But the most important part was helping
my students create a new framework of possibility. I made mistakes and they
made mistakes, but we learned together. I was allowed to be their teacher from
August to the end of October when a certified teacher was hired. I really
missed seeing those students everyday and interacting with them, but I was
still a substitute in the school and saw them almost every week. Our hearts had
connected. In September of their 11th grade year, their teacher
became ill and I became their permanent sub again until December. I was so
excited to be in their lives again on a daily basis and create a new framework
of possibility with them. I supported them in their school activities, band,
football, baseball, fund raisers, etc. They became my children. From time to
time, I get to see them and visit with them. I so enjoy the big hugs and smiles
exchanged during those brief moments. This weekend was one of them. I was
leaving a movie and 3 of them were sitting on a bench waiting for their movie
to start. I heard, “Mrs. Wayt!” and turned to see their smiling faces. We
hugged and chatted about their first year of college and what the future holds.
I could’ve stayed there talking to them forever, but had to go. As we parted,
hugs were given again and “I love you, Mrs. Wayt! Your were my favorite
teacher!” I don’t think it was because they learned a lot of book knowledge
from me. I think it was because I inspired possibility, encouraged them to create
new frameworks, realizing their dreams. When I think of those students, I
always see the spark in their eyes, “shining eyes,” as we broke down the barriers
the world had given us, dreamed, reached for the limitless possibilities, and
soared.
As teachers, we inspire creativity and
individuality in our students. We create the framework of possibility in their lives.
Is it a simple task? NO! Sometimes it is a very hard task to get students to
step out of their “comfort zones” and try something new, challenging,
different. This weekend I saw a couple of my old students. They have just
completed their first year of college. I started teaching them their freshman
year of high school as a substitute and followed them off and on as their sub
through their Sr. year. It was during their 10th grade year that I
became their permanent substitute due to the original teacher becoming ill and
passing away. It was a very traumatic year for them. One of the students was
the teacher’s cousin. It was my first time to be in charge of everything in the
classroom including lesson plans. I LOVED IT!! But the most important part was helping
my students create a new framework of possibility. I made mistakes and they
made mistakes, but we learned together. I was allowed to be their teacher from
August to the end of October when a certified teacher was hired. I really
missed seeing those students everyday and interacting with them, but I was
still a substitute in the school and saw them almost every week. Our hearts had
connected. In September of their 11th grade year, their teacher
became ill and I became their permanent sub again until December. I was so
excited to be in their lives again on a daily basis and create a new framework
of possibility with them. I supported them in their school activities, band,
football, baseball, fund raisers, etc. They became my children. From time to
time, I get to see them and visit with them. I so enjoy the big hugs and smiles
exchanged during those brief moments. This weekend was one of them. I was
leaving a movie and 3 of them were sitting on a bench waiting for their movie
to start. I heard, “Mrs. Wayt!” and turned to see their smiling faces. We
hugged and chatted about their first year of college and what the future holds.
I could’ve stayed there talking to them forever, but had to go. As we parted,
hugs were given again and “I love you, Mrs. Wayt! Your were my favorite
teacher!” I don’t think it was because they learned a lot of book knowledge
from me. I think it was because I inspired possibility, encouraged them to create
new frameworks, realizing their dreams. When I think of those students, I
always see the spark in their eyes, “shining eyes,” as we broke down the barriers
the world had given us, dreamed, reached for the limitless possibilities, and
soared. 
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