Teaching young children is the most rewarding job I have ever done or will ever do.
Yet, it also was the most taxing and frustrating job because with every new class I received a kaleidoscope of new faces, personalities, different backgrounds, different interest, different cultural experiences, different learning abilities, different self-concepts, different morals, and different learned behaviors—some good, some bad.
It is a teacher’s job to touch the life of each student by first creating an environment conducive to learning, and then building ways and means to promote individual self-concepts to make a child feel capable of learning. It is a teacher’s job to give praise, encouragement, and make a child feel worthy and important in his/her own inalienable right. And last, but not least, when a teacher has a repertoire of student case studies in his/her head, it is that teacher’s job to give the child the best education its young mind is capable of comprehending.
I knew many extraordinary teachers during my teaching career who constantly strove to reach another notch on the scale of being the best possible teachers they could be to and for their students. It is that dedication that deserves the respect of everyone—and without such dedication and respect our children and our country are doomed—because our children are the voice of tomorrow.
Through the Eyes of a Teacher
Our children are the voice of tomorrow,
To either contribute or take from society’s well
Early learning from home and school
Will set the paths upon which they dwell.
There are those students who excel,
There are those students who truly try,
There are those students who struggle along,
There are those students whose intellects die.
Because their minds have been warped by abuse
Stripping them of joy and hope,
Destroying their youthful exuberance
Robbing them of strength to cope…
with school and learning.
Poor children like tiny buds
Lost in a forest of plants and weeds
Feeling unworthy, unwanted, afraid,
Torn by neglected and untended needs.
These are the special, surly ones
Who challenge teachers the most
These are the behavior problems who act our fears,
Start fights, shout invectives, and make arrogant boasts.
Unless the teacher is strong of heart
And strives with valor and love
To help each child find its place
In a world of push and shove
These sad children will wander along paths unknown
Falling by the wayside far from societal good,
Perhaps tobecomecriminal minds
Alone, frustrated, bitter, and misunderstood.
Uncharted goals leading them to their destinies
Set by lack of self-worth, and a poor self-esteem
No choices for anything better in life
Only problems that destroy a young child’s dreams.
We, all people, must make it better for these lost little souls
Before the road is too long to turn back.
We must try to build their faith and hope,
And guide their efforts back on the right track.
This brings back memories of my favorite teachers. For me, those teachers came late in my education. They gave me words and ideas I've carried through life. A nicely written poem, Jeanette!
Sheila
Thank you Jeanette so very much...I am reviewing this beautiful and heartfelt write while sitting at my desk eating cafeteria lunch, by choice today. Your words touch my very heart, they describe my thoughts, and express my emotions as well as concerns about teaching primary children. I as you recall have a variety of students that enter my first grade class each year, it is amazing to watch them grow, mature, and absorb the knowledge that you make available to them and model and mold them guiding, ensuring, and helping them to become second grade students. I have found the most difficult part of teaching, other than the physical wear on one's body and mind, is the heart ache that comes with it, seeing those precious ones that no one cares for trying to find their place in a big scary world, trying to help those that have been neglected and abused to understand there is safety in the world, not all people are bad, loving them, teaching them, nourish them, and then letting them go...thank you so much I've had a difficult morning and really needed this poem to read while eating lunch. Written from the heart of a true teacher....and a great person!
Blessings,
Joyce Bowling
Excellent poem, Jeanette. My hat is off and I bow to all teachers with the utmost respect. You are the caretakers of the minds of the future. Again, an excellent poem, full of insight and a timeless message.
Love,
CJ
I've had many teachers in my 16 yrs. of schooling. Some I liked and others I didn't but fortunately every one gave a little of themselves that somehow remained with me. Thank You for giving that little extra to make a difference in someone's life my friend. I have a daughter who's a communications major and works with autistic children. She loves her job and finds it very rewarding. Satisfaction in one's endeavors is the secret to success. Bless You Always, Paul
A teacher is the most important person in a child's life, because a teacher is a role model, and is supposed to be knowledgeable and is everything good. A child looks up to a teacher more so than to a parent, because a teacher gives them something to do to inspire them everyday; and some can't wait to do their special projects to impress their teachers.
Children are soooo innocent and lovely, and so genuine in their feelings that each one of them is a special person, and should be treated as such. I love working with children!!!!!
Wonderful thought-provoking poem!!!!! A joy to read!!!!!
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Sheila
Blessings,
Joyce Bowling
Love,
CJ
I've had many teachers in my 16 yrs. of schooling. Some I liked and others I didn't but fortunately every one gave a little of themselves that somehow remained with me. Thank You for giving that little extra to make a difference in someone's life my friend. I have a daughter who's a communications major and works with autistic children. She loves her job and finds it very rewarding. Satisfaction in one's endeavors is the secret to success. Bless You Always, Paul
Children are soooo innocent and lovely, and so genuine in their feelings that each one of them is a special person, and should be treated as such. I love working with children!!!!!
Wonderful thought-provoking poem!!!!! A joy to read!!!!!
Sandie May Angel a.k.a. Sandie Angel :o)