Teaching is so much more than in the classroom

Today was one of those days. It started out with a student coming in before school upset over a fight with their girlfriend. Then, a student upset over a family problem. Next came the ever classic trouble with people "saying stuff" that isn't true. Followed up by two scenarios I've never encountered, tutoring a student in absolute values and biology (I teach history) followed up with some conversations on how to be healthy.

Teaching is so much more than what happens in your classroom. It is not just planning engaging lessons about our subject area and then going home proud of ourselves for teaching the all important causes of WWI. It is being so much more to these students.

Don't get me wrong, I have no delusions of every teacher taking on these extra roles. But the good teachers, no the great teachers, who have the lasting, life changing effects on students do take on these additional parts of the job. In fact, they do because the students know they can come to them for this help so they are called on for this more. They know you respect them so you will respect their problems. They know you care about them so they trust you and ask for your help.

It always amazes me the things my students go through. I don't remember having it this hard. They are forced to grow up so much faster than I did. I don't know what is different but I know it is something.

I know there will be teachers who disagree with this idea that we need to be more for our students. However, I know that my job is important, my subject matter is important, but most importantly my students are important. I will be here for them to gently guide them, sometimes more pointedly guiding them, and to help them with whatever they need. If I can't personally help them, I will do my best to find them someone who can help.

I know there are so many other great teachers out there who take on these extra parts of the job, and I have "spoken" to many of you on twitter so I know you are out there, so I wanted to say I appreciate you. I appreciate the extra miles(s) you go. Even if we are bashed in the media, by our friends and maybe even our families, I appreciate you and more importantly your students appreciate you.