My mom, who also wears her emotions on her sleeve, listened quietly and then asked me, "Is this something you really want to do?" I told her that, if anything, meeting this student and hearing this student's story strengthened my resolve to become a teacher, because if I don't step up to love this student, who will?
I was reminded of that student during today's PD workshop when one of the panelist told us: "Students who are loved at home, come to school to learn, and students who aren't, come to school to be loved." The importance of building healthy relationships with students was repeated over and over today. It's not the first time we've heard that message. Sure, students work harder for people they like, but that's not the only reason for wanting to foster positive student-teacher relationships in your classroom. In my other classes, I've heard stories that stress the importance of making your classroom a welcoming, safe place for all students — even those who may not be taking one of your classes. Why? Those students need a safe space. To feel loved, wanted, valued, appreciated — those are all feelings we desperately seek out as adults. As teachers, we have to remember that our students are no different.
If there's a secret to being a great teacher, I haven't been taught it yet. But, if I had to guess, it probably lies somewhere in the 3R's: Relationship, Relationship, Relationship.