As some of you know, I have been student teaching this semester. The first half of the semester I was with 2nd grade and I learned so much from those precious kiddos. They showed me how to love with an intentional heart. That first rotation was where God reaffirmed His calling in my life to become a teacher. He reminded me that those kiddos need Jesus too. Hearing some of their stories, broke my heart. Here are 7-8 year old boys and girls struggling with a home life that they cannot control. I realized that a simple hug or fist bump would bring the biggest smile to their little faces.
For the second rotation of student teaching, I was placed in a 6th grade math class. Let me just tell you that as a student, I struggled with math. I remember studying my butt off to make an A on a test. I would spend countless hours doing my pre-cal homework and more times then I care to admit, I would call my teacher for help. So when I was placed in a 6th grade MATH class I was nervous and excited. If you would have asked me 3 years ago my dream grade, I would have told you 1st or 2nd grade. Never in a million years would I have said 6th grade. But God has a funny sense of humor.
My first week in 6th grade, I knew I was called to teach the middle school grades. Call me crazy but I have enjoyed teaching math to rambunctious 12 year olds. In just the last couple of weeks they have taught me how to be patient and show grace. If you know middle schoolers, you know patience and grace are hard to have. They push your buttons and know exactly what they are doing but will deny ever doing anything wrong. But I'm reminded of the home they may go to at the end of the day and that's what motivates me to be a better teacher for them. I'm reminded that in their messy lives, I need to give grace even when it's hard because that's what Jesus does for me.
My first week in 6th grade, I knew I was called to teach the middle school grades. Call me crazy but I have enjoyed teaching math to rambunctious 12 year olds. In just the last couple of weeks they have taught me how to be patient and show grace. If you know middle schoolers, you know patience and grace are hard to have. They push your buttons and know exactly what they are doing but will deny ever doing anything wrong. But I'm reminded of the home they may go to at the end of the day and that's what motivates me to be a better teacher for them. I'm reminded that in their messy lives, I need to give grace even when it's hard because that's what Jesus does for me.
Being in the classroom this semester has opened my eyes in new ways. Recently, I have seen how God is using my past difficulties and trials to relate to these students. All these kids need is someone to walk with and encourage them. I remember the day when I found out my dad was going to jail. My life was turned upside down because of someone else's mistakes. I didn't understand why it had to be my family. But I've come to realize that God has given me the opportunity to relate to students in a way most people cannot. God has allowed me a unique testimony and all I want to do is point others to Him through what He is doing in my life. I am so thankful God has called me into a profession where I can give back to Him not only by teaching future leaders but having the privilege to love on these kids in the most difficult of days.
