Children First

Below is a "poem" that I wrote 4 years ago before I ever received a paycheck for teaching. I read this on a regular basis, and to this day, I don't disagree with one part of it...not even the "well paid" part at the end, haha.

Mr. E


Children First
A note to self, from the teacher

Children First
Make it your crying call and your constant reminder.
Make it your lifelong goal.
Make it a self defining personal truth.

The most important part of your job is the child.
A runny nose, a good grade, a learning disability, a hidden talent, a paper cut.
Seemingly unrelated,
But they're not.

The relationship is the importance.
Big or small, every part of a child's day is significant and important if you are truly putting the child first.
Treat dyslexia the same as a paper cut? Be realistic.
Do, however, treat both with the same care and compassion.

Never classify the whining student as a whiner.
Instead, put the child first.
Determine the source of the whining and help to make it stop.
Remember, you were a whiner once too.
It is a big deal.

Never spend a moment of your day out of your student's shoes.
You are blessed with the uncanny ability to teach a class of twenty-five students while simultaneously sitting and learning in that same class.
You treat others like you want to be treated.
Teach your students the way you would like to be taught.

If learning is not the result, teaching never took place.

Always remain informed and aware of educational standards, current events, etc.
But NEVER allow your students to feel any ill effects as a result of any of the above. The complaining (yes, necessary at times) is better left to a staff lounge.
Any negative fallout has no place in your classroom.

When students graduate from your classroom there are no regrets.
You did everything that you knew how to create a learning environment sensitive to each child's individual needs.
Your students always received your very best.

Make it your goal each year to watch the students leave your class upset that your time learning together is over, but optimistic and well prepared for what is to come in the next years of their lives.

What are the lasting effects that you will have on a child's life?
Just look around.
Ask any child. Ask any adult.
Who was your favorite teacher?
Then ask why.
Let the response inspire and motivate you.
Twenty years from now, it is you they will still be talking about.

Teaching students
Loving students
Respecting students
Caring for students
Encouraging students
Listening to students
Challenging students
Involving students
Inspiring students
Loving students (worth mentioning twice)
Never stop adding to this list. It's what you do.

Looks and sounds like monumental work.
Because it is.
Work that you are entirely capable of.

Well paid?
Honorable work?
It doesnt really matter.
Those things aren't important; not in this context.
It's about putting the children first.

Put the children first, and remember that you Love what you are doing!

Mr. Educator '04