I was meant to work with children through education. When I reflect on the responsibility I have accepted to help each student learn to his or her greatest potential, I am often overwhelmed! But I find reassurance because my faith has provided me the support I need to meet this challenge.
Ae each school year begins, I pray over my class list, knowing that without spiritual guidance I cannot succeed at the took set before me. I truly believe that each student is placed in my classroom for a reason, so I pray that I'll be sensitive to each child'S needs. At times, the intense responsibility I feel for helping each child lies heavy on my heart and can become all consuming. As I drive home each evening, I think about my clay, my words, and my actions, and I evaluate myself on how effectively I have met my students' needs. Some days I feel euphoric, other days I feel disappointed. I often lament how routines of the day or my attitude caused me to miss a very important learning moment. Sometimes I have to accept what I consider my own inadequate performance. ThiS, however, spurs me on to become more attuned, more attentive, and more responsive the next day, hopefully learning from my experiences.
The questions I ask myself about the culture of my classroom have been more insightful to me than the questions I have asked about how I deliver a 1esson. Do I believe all children can learn? Do I treat boys differently from girle? I recognize that I have a soft spot in my heart for boys who walk that fine line between being mischievous and disrespectful. Do those who do not fit this description feel 1ess valued? Do my students, especially the girls, see that bend in me? Do I treat children with disabilities differently? Am I more sensitive to affectionate children than those with a chip on their shoulders? Do I treat my students equally or fairly-very different approaches? I struggle with these questions daily as I interact with my entire c1ass. I eo want each child to know that he or she has been hand chosen by a greater being to be in my c1ass. Yet, how do I deal with my feelings of frustration and panic when I don't seem to be making progress? I turn to my prayer life and my devotional time as a source of inspiration and support. As I read or listen to music, I often record the thoughts and words I am challenged with. One of my favorite songs is about the different ways God can lay His calming spirit upon me-how He has the power to calm the stormy waters around me, but not always; while other times He makes His presence known to me, His child, and calms my "stormy" emotions. I gain