I have long been thinking of a title for something that I wanted to write about for quite sometime now. However, just because I couldn’t think of a way to finish my title, I also couldn’t start writing anything about it. I couldn’t organize my thoughts and couldn’t find the urge to actually put them in writing. Little did I know, that the person (I mean the little person) whom I wanted to write about is just the answer that I was looking for…Perfect!
That's Sc**t.
Nobody loves him...(it seems in school that is...)
But me.
He came to my class in January of this year. The teacher of the other class has been trying to get rid of him for the longest time and my assistant even warned me about him, and begged not to take him.
Still, I did.
A week or two has just passed since he came to my room, and he was already in danger of going back to his previous group because according to my directress, he wasn’t ready to be in my class, emotionally. He knows his stuff and is even better than those who are already in my class since the school year started. His academic ability wasn’t a problem. His behavior was. As expected, his parents were called in for a meeting and lo and behold, they are even worse of a problem than Sc**t was. Long story short, they were in denial and to a certain extent, blamed us all (yes, no one in the school was spared) for their son’s behavior.
The week after, Sc**t was absent. And when he came back, it was as if he was a different kid, at least for me. I don’t know what it was, but I saw something good in him that made me love him in an instant. He actually isn’t a brat (because that, I can’t stand yet!). I can’t really tell specifically, but somehow, I see his desire to be loved by everyone, and that he just needs someone’s loving and caring attention, and he’d obey.
My assistant still can’t stand him, but I’d trade him for no one in my class. I’m not playing favorites, but among those problem kids in my class, he’s my baby. And whenever I say this, my co-workers would either make a face or look perplexed, as if saying, “Are you out of your mind, Ms. Jam?!” And my assistant? Oh, she's disgusted (and at the same time, thankful because I said I’ll take charge of Sc**t).
I know Sc**t wouldn’t understand, but through my actions and the way I deal with him, I always say thank you. More than anything else, I thank Sc**t (and the others too, who are just like him) for giving me a lot of reasons to love this profession…for giving me another sense of fulfillment…and for making me feel that I am really cut to be an educator.
Now, I need to get back to working on my lesson plan. I’m only halfway done and it needs to be submitted tomorrow. But I worry not, because tomorrow doesn’t only mean work…it also means another day to spend with my students...another day of being a “mother”…and another opportunity for me to open my heart, not only for Sc**t, but yeah, hopefully even for those tiny little brats.
A big heart for the brat? Why not?
(written: March 21,2010)
Monday, June 28, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
Just speak straight from the heart...
One of the things that I fear doing most is giving a speech in front of many people. I can talk the whole day in front of the kids and do silly things with them, oblivious to whoever is watching. But to speak on stage to an adult audience...oh please! I abhor it! I know it’s ironic because I’m a teacher. I remember telling my coordinator back when I was still teaching in the Philippines, when asked to emcee for a school event, that I’d rather sing or dance, than speak on stage, in front of many people.
So I guess you wouldn’t be surprised that it scared the hell out of me (pardon the choice of words!), when I was asked to give a speech today, being the head teacher of the graduating students of our school. Oh, and as if giving speech itself is not nerve-wracking enough for me, I was just informed about it, like, two hours before we were supposed to be at the venue! All I could mutter was, darn it!
And so left without a choice, I immediately grabbed a pen and a scratch paper, and started writing. Had I been informed earlier, I would have at least googled sample speeches, just to get an idea of what I should tell the graduates, the other students, and all their parents. Because FYI, I was one of those who weren’t listening when speeches were delivered during my elementary, high school and college graduations. And so in-between lunch and dressing up for the occasion, I tried my best to look back to the months that have passed, and see whether there is something worth-mentioning. I’m kidding! Of course there’s a lot to say! It’s just that I can’t think properly when I’m nervous, with knees trembling, heart pounding and stomach aching (for sure you know the feeling!).
Hours passed just like that, and I was able to finish writing. I am just glad that despite the sweat in every corner of my body, and nervousness consuming me, I didn’t pass out on stage. Actually, what made me feel really good up there was the sight of parents applauding, smiling and crying. All those washed away my fears and anxieties that very moment. Let me share with you, my dear friends, the first ever speech I delivered as the head teacher of the graduating students of 2010.
***
Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. Today marks a new beginning for the graduating students of 2010 of Rainbow Kiddie Academy.
I can say that it has been a very fulfilling year, not only for the kids, but most of all, for us teachers too, especially for me. Looking back, to be honest with you, when I first stepped into the classroom, I was really really excited, but at the same time, really really nervous also of what these seemingly innocent little kids could do to me. True enough, every single day in the classroom is a new experience for me and my fellow teachers. There had been good and bad days, and the in-betweens, but what keeps me loving my work and what makes me look forward to going to work each day also, are the valuable lessons that I will learn from MY kids...OUR kids. Yes, I’m sorry parents, but they’re mine, Ms. Carmen’s and Ms. Ana’s, 8-6pm, Mondays thru Fridays. They’re OUR babies.
These kids really are smart and full of potentials. It is our duty now, teachers and parents, to help unlock those potentials and help them be productive and responsible, not only as children, but most of all, productive and responsible citizens of this country. They may be just kids and they may be learning what we think are just simple things such as tying their shoe laces, holding a pencil or going potty on their own, but all these are essential in their development.
Indeed, it wasn’t an easy work for all of us, including you, parents. But I am very very proud to say that I have been a witness...I have seen great improvements in all of these kids. No matter how challenging and hard it was to deal with all of them all at once, seeing them learn and change for the better bring so much fulfillment already. And for sure, you parents are even prouder than I already am. So today, I give out this invitation to everyone...Let’s continue to work together for the cause of these children.
Once again, congratulations to the future of this country, the graduating students of 2010. God bless you all in all your endeavors.
***
For some reasons, I felt good after I delivered my speech. It felt even better to be told by the parents afterwards, that with what I said, I made the school look beautiful in their eyes. And it brought me to high heavens to hear that it’s us, teachers, who make them want to enroll their kids again next school year (if not for the tuition fee which is too much for them). Well, it doesn’t matter anymore if they’re just trying to cajole or sweet-talk me into giving their kids more awards next time. What matters most is that, I was able to tell them what I really feel. My co-teacher even asked me if I really meant it when I said I look forward to going to work each day. Of course I do! Weird as it may seem, but I really do.
Come to think of it, had I been told earlier that I’ll be giving a speech, I would have borrowed other people’s words, just to make it formal and pleasing to my listeners’ ears. But truly, there’s really nothing even better than to speak from the heart. I’m just glad I did. But next time, I’d appreciate it, I guess, if I would be told in advance. Better yet, I’d really appreciate it, and I’d be fine, if I wouldn’t be asked anymore to do any talking.
Ms. Jam
Head Teacher
Rainbow Kiddie Academy
Yellow Room
S.Y. 2009-2010
So I guess you wouldn’t be surprised that it scared the hell out of me (pardon the choice of words!), when I was asked to give a speech today, being the head teacher of the graduating students of our school. Oh, and as if giving speech itself is not nerve-wracking enough for me, I was just informed about it, like, two hours before we were supposed to be at the venue! All I could mutter was, darn it!
And so left without a choice, I immediately grabbed a pen and a scratch paper, and started writing. Had I been informed earlier, I would have at least googled sample speeches, just to get an idea of what I should tell the graduates, the other students, and all their parents. Because FYI, I was one of those who weren’t listening when speeches were delivered during my elementary, high school and college graduations. And so in-between lunch and dressing up for the occasion, I tried my best to look back to the months that have passed, and see whether there is something worth-mentioning. I’m kidding! Of course there’s a lot to say! It’s just that I can’t think properly when I’m nervous, with knees trembling, heart pounding and stomach aching (for sure you know the feeling!).
Hours passed just like that, and I was able to finish writing. I am just glad that despite the sweat in every corner of my body, and nervousness consuming me, I didn’t pass out on stage. Actually, what made me feel really good up there was the sight of parents applauding, smiling and crying. All those washed away my fears and anxieties that very moment. Let me share with you, my dear friends, the first ever speech I delivered as the head teacher of the graduating students of 2010.
***
Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. Today marks a new beginning for the graduating students of 2010 of Rainbow Kiddie Academy.
I can say that it has been a very fulfilling year, not only for the kids, but most of all, for us teachers too, especially for me. Looking back, to be honest with you, when I first stepped into the classroom, I was really really excited, but at the same time, really really nervous also of what these seemingly innocent little kids could do to me. True enough, every single day in the classroom is a new experience for me and my fellow teachers. There had been good and bad days, and the in-betweens, but what keeps me loving my work and what makes me look forward to going to work each day also, are the valuable lessons that I will learn from MY kids...OUR kids. Yes, I’m sorry parents, but they’re mine, Ms. Carmen’s and Ms. Ana’s, 8-6pm, Mondays thru Fridays. They’re OUR babies.
These kids really are smart and full of potentials. It is our duty now, teachers and parents, to help unlock those potentials and help them be productive and responsible, not only as children, but most of all, productive and responsible citizens of this country. They may be just kids and they may be learning what we think are just simple things such as tying their shoe laces, holding a pencil or going potty on their own, but all these are essential in their development.
Indeed, it wasn’t an easy work for all of us, including you, parents. But I am very very proud to say that I have been a witness...I have seen great improvements in all of these kids. No matter how challenging and hard it was to deal with all of them all at once, seeing them learn and change for the better bring so much fulfillment already. And for sure, you parents are even prouder than I already am. So today, I give out this invitation to everyone...Let’s continue to work together for the cause of these children.
Once again, congratulations to the future of this country, the graduating students of 2010. God bless you all in all your endeavors.
***
For some reasons, I felt good after I delivered my speech. It felt even better to be told by the parents afterwards, that with what I said, I made the school look beautiful in their eyes. And it brought me to high heavens to hear that it’s us, teachers, who make them want to enroll their kids again next school year (if not for the tuition fee which is too much for them). Well, it doesn’t matter anymore if they’re just trying to cajole or sweet-talk me into giving their kids more awards next time. What matters most is that, I was able to tell them what I really feel. My co-teacher even asked me if I really meant it when I said I look forward to going to work each day. Of course I do! Weird as it may seem, but I really do.
Come to think of it, had I been told earlier that I’ll be giving a speech, I would have borrowed other people’s words, just to make it formal and pleasing to my listeners’ ears. But truly, there’s really nothing even better than to speak from the heart. I’m just glad I did. But next time, I’d appreciate it, I guess, if I would be told in advance. Better yet, I’d really appreciate it, and I’d be fine, if I wouldn’t be asked anymore to do any talking.
Ms. Jam
Head Teacher
Rainbow Kiddie Academy
Yellow Room
S.Y. 2009-2010
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