In these final weeks I feel good that most of what I had to say got said and some of what I said was actually heard. Time was spent today assessing not the work of the students – but the work of the class – and my work. I felt good that I have created an atmosphere in which students can speak freely and note where in the process they felt lost – and where they were met correctly. It was so good to hear how much they cared about the class even in places where it sailed out of their reach. “Always a process; never perfection.” I have said that to them many times and today I reminded myself.
There was one young man today that made me a bit sad. I so felt that my journey as his teacher was not yet complete. I felt this uncomfortable rush of time as I knew we had only a few weeks together and so much growth that could and should happen. I am not sure why I feel this urge with this one student in particular. He is certainly a capable student and often a remarkable actor – but my job with him is just not done! Perhaps he stepped into his talent a bit late in the game – – or perhaps I have just recently learned how to meet him where he works. I talk too fast when he is in the room. I cannot listen quick enough. This causes me a bit of anxiety.
I know that I am not in charge of the clock – and the option of failing the student simply to get a chance to be part of his growth is probably not in the best interest of the student. I am working to nurture and encourage right until the tassel gets shifted but then I must trust that other teachers, and likely better teachers will take his good work and move it over the next bridge. Obviously I will be but one of the teachers and mentors for this young man – but I can always be his biggest fan. Perhaps in a few weeks, that will be enough.
One comment on “Not Had My Say”
Perhaps at some point, you’ll come across this student again in some other way.
I watched a film the other night where this student was denied being in this one particular teacher’s class because although talented, he wasn’t ready for what was to be required of him.
Years later, he found this teacher again. He didn’t become his student, but still gained a lot of insight in addition to a connection to someone else who altered the course of his life.
It’s easy to define the roles we play in each other’s lives – but they don’t always work out that way.
Sometimes it works out even better. Maybe this will be the case here 🙂