Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Personal Advocacy Reflection
I can think of many times that people have gone to bat for me but if I had to choose one particular time that stands out, I would say it was in school. I had a teacher who stuck by my side in elementary school because I was extremely shy. I was in school in the late 70's for elementary school and at that time they pretty much did and said what ever they wanted to do or say to you. I remember some of my teachers being mean to me because I would not say much. They didn't want to take time to see why I was not talking or what was bothering me. They would just tell my mother that I didn't know anything. I remember one teacher coming and telling me she wanted to talk to me. We played and she was really nice to me. She said to one of my teachers she knows more than you think she knows. That teacher took time to find out what was wrong with me. I was in a whole new situation. I had been with my mother all the time and I wouldn't talk to those teachers because they were so mean. This teacher took time to care and give me testing that I wouldn't respond to them for. My mother was amazed when she found out that I knew just as much as most of my other classmates. I just was withdrawn because my mom had started working and I didn't get to see her that much anymore and here were these mean people I had to be with all day everyday. I later grew up and began as a teaching assistant in the same school that I attended, and that teacher who was nice to me was still there. (She has since retired but occasionally I run into her at a church she attends in Williamsburg)I remember her telling me when I worked there that it was time for her to retire if she had started working with her students! I was in second grade when she advocated for them to change their style of teaching me. I also serve on an alcohol and drug prevention coalition with one of those mean teachers. She needs to retire because she is still mean but she isn't teaching anymore, she is like a truancy officer now. I hope that I can be the type of person who will put in the extra time and effort to do whats right for all children and families even if no one else cares.
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Isn't it remarkable how much of a difference and adult ot teacher can make in a child's life? Your story was a great one to pass on to teachers because they may sometimes forget that they can have a tremendous impact on a child's future. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSusann,
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing story. Teachers can be strong advocates for children if they just listen and if there hearts are in the right place. I always like hearing about teachers that impacted peoples lives because I don't have any in mine. I am however thankful that my children have met some wonderful teachers that have advocated for them.I am sure that you are already that type of person that does whats right for all children and families, you have proven this by going the extra mile and obtaining your advanced degree in child advocacy and public policy.
Susann,
ReplyDeleteGreat Story! This story reminds me of a little boy in our Headstart classroom. During large group you can only gain his attention for a very short while, but during small group he is very attentive and grasp concepts quickly. So he learns alot better when in small groups. I really wanted to understand this young child. After attending a home visit with the child and his father I learned a great deal about the family that helps me to understand the child. I am determined to advocate for this young child and to give him as much guidance as possible while he is in our class.
Susann, I do believe that you will be one of those teacher that goes the extra mile for young children because of your experience.
Susann,
ReplyDeleteThat is such an inspirational story and really reassures me that I am in the right field. It is amazing to me just how much of an impact teachers have on their students. Early childhood professionals shouldn't be mean to the children they work with, they should take the time like the teacher who stuck up for you and make a child's life better. Thank you for the heart-warmer!
Susann,
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your post , I pray that one day my students would remember me for positive impacts I made in their lives. As professionals , we should strive to make postive changes in the schools or programs we work. What a great story.