“We know too many of these kids.”
Earlier this week, I felt like I was living this scene from the 1995 film Mr. Holland’s Opus, in which a football coach gulps back his tears as he gazes at the casket of his former student, a soldier killed in action.
I can relate. It’s inevitable. There’s going to be collateral damage when you pour your heart and soul into your work, especially if it’s working with teenagers.
Every time I attend a wake for a former student, I say a silent prayer that it’ll be the last time I ever have to do so. Sadly, that prayer has yet to be answered. The student I lost this week wasn’t a war hero. She was a funny, enthusiastic young lady with a passion for golf and showing horses.
As I waited in line to pay my respects, I looked at countless possessions and pictures that told the story of Allie’s life. One picture in particular jumped out at me as I recognized the setting: my German classroom just a few years ago. Moments later, Allie’s twin sister spotted me in line, saying “FRAU!!!” We talked for a few minutes – what can you say, really? – and then I spoke with Allie’s other sister, who told me that she is now a kindergarten teacher.
At the risk of sounding trite, this was one of those defining moments that remind me why I went into education. To be sure, there were many reasons, working with kids and sharing my love of the German language chief among them. But the opportunity to help inspire a child to achieve his or her dreams, to be even better than he or she imagined, that’s huge. To learn that the quiet girl with big, swoopy handwriting and who struggled with German is now a kindergarten teacher was incredible. It embodied everything I love about teaching.
It’s also one of the most difficult jobs in the world.
Besides possessing heart, soul and bladders of steel, the star teachers I know are completely committed to their students. They are creative and never settle for anything less than their best.
They value their colleagues and the possibilities that come with collaboration. They value learning for learning’s sake. They value honesty and integrity in themselves, their supervisors and their students.
They treasure their students, remaining fiercely protective of their interests even when everything around them seems to be contrary to that. They are willing to raise their voices and take risks to improve teaching and education.
And to paraphrase Chumbawumba, when they get knocked down, they get up again. They never shy away from a challenge, be it a difficult student, colleague or political climate, because they know that what they do matters.
Star colleagues, you know who you are, and I salute you. We have the best job in the world.
