I was thinking about my favorite teacher . . . one in particular! She is exceptional and she has been my mentor, inspiration, and my best cheerleader throughout my life and teaching career. Here is the craziest thing . . . I was never given the privilege to be a student in her classroom.
Who is she?
Her name is Diana Abraham. At Lunalilo Elementary School she was the "favorite" teacher. All the kids loved her and when 4th grade rolled around . . . everyone wanted her. Mrs. Abraham is my Mom! My Mom has been a "Master Teacher" for over 40 years. If there has ever been a "teacher after God's own heart," it is my Mom. Her capacity to love and care for kids has always been an inspiration!
I remember sitting on the floor of her classroom in my favorite spot. It was next to her library shelves filled with all kinds of books. I was seven, and I remember looking around her room. All of a sudden I piped up, "Mom, why can't you be my teacher?" She shared with me that it was a rule at the school, and since there were five classrooms per grade, I would surely get a great teacher! I always felt safe, secure, and "smart" in her classroom. I grew up feeling like I could try, do, or be anything.
It was in my 7th year that I declared with complete focus and determination, "Hey Mom, when I grow up, I wanna be a teacher just like you!" I am not going to lie, I loved the idea of being the "queen" of my own classroom. My motives for teaching have definitely changed over the years. Being the middle of five children meant being flexible and not really in-control of anything. It was instilled in us early on to share and respect each other. The thought of having my own classroom and all that came with it, was quite attractive. It would be my palace, my own room to "control," organize, decorate, and create. From that year on, that was my dream, I just wanted to be a teacher just like Mom.
My Mom teaches with heart and care. I was just plain jealous of any student who had my Mom! There were no if, ands, or buts, about it! All the kids who were blessed to have her, loved her. The kids who didn't, hung around after school, just to connect with her. I loved being in her classroom! I felt accepted, encouraged, and respected in her classroom. Over the years, all of her students have experienced the same thing!
What made her classroom so special? Was it the fun and cute crafts she made? Was it her original bulletin boards, with hand-crafted pictures? Was it her gentle, and caring ways? Was it the way she always had the time to listen and respect the thoughts of others? All of those qualities are admirable, but not the key to her success as an educator.
I have come to realize that her classroom was an extension of her heart. In "construction terms," her classroom was an "add-on" of her home. A quality and effective teacher is a teacher everywhere . . . at home, in her community, at the store, and certainly in the classroom. It is not something that can be turned off or on. My Mom's hospitable and sweet ways transformed her room of desks, papers, and chairs, into a home away from home. Her students entered her doors and arrived at a place where they were respected and heard! She made them feel welcomed and established a connection immediately which translated itself to, "You are accepted and wanted here! Come and learn with me!"
Now, because she teaches from this paradigm, all of her students thrive! They ALL experience personal success and individual growth academically! She has a unique way of making her students believe in themselves and this has caused change and inspired excellence!
So, for today . . . think back on your favorite teacher. Thank the Lord for him/her. If it is possible, send a thank you note! If you are a parent, appreciate your child's teacher today! If your child completes this school year with a positive attitude towards learning, it has been a successful year. Learning is a lifetime journey . . . if we can inspire our children and students to aspire to excellence and love learning, we have done our jobs as teachers (and Moms)!
Thank you Mom for loving well and teaching with heart. I admire and cherish you,
HeiDee
No comments:
Post a Comment