Teacher Challenges

One of my readers recently requested I write more about my life.
In addition to several teaching years, there have been several enterprises
in which I have been engaged ~ having enjoyed them all.

However I must agree with Henry B. Adams who stated:A teacher effects eternity; he or she can never tell where the influence stops.

In an effective classroom ~ students should not only know what they are doing ~
they should also know WHY and HOW!

Defining teaching, William Arthur Ward clarifies:
The mediocre teacher tells.
The good teacher explains!
Thes superior teacher demonstrates!
The great teacher inspires!!!

Employed initially by The Hamilton Board of Education,
I could write a book about my sundry experiences.

'Twas on Friday, prior to the Labour Day weekend, new teachers attended instructional procedures prior to the designation of school and grade(s) commencing Tuesday, following Labour Day.

Marilyn, also from Brantford and Grade 13 school friend,

were assigned to a school on Hamilton Mountain.

In her car (how lucky we were), we located the address.
It was a vacant lot ...a school to be built this coming year.
Our classes for two years were in the basement of a neighbouring church.
Hers was a Grade 4 class...and mine, a split Grade 2/3 level of students.

In mid-August, we each made housing arrangements: Marilyn, fortunately on the Mountain...and my housing arrangement on Kipling Road in west Hamilton. My daily transportation was a bus from Westdale to downtown Hamilton...waited for a bus to Hamilton Mountain...followed by a 12 to 15-minute walk to my school neighbourhood. I tell you this info for good reason:

When necessary to give 'detention' to mis-behaving students,

they were not after 4 pm when classes were dismissed!
Since daily I arrived at the school by 8 am ~ that was my 'detention time.'
And if the student was late arriving to serve his 'penance' said student
had 2 following early 'detention times'! Most were On Time!

Teaching discovered me ~ and although this profession was a challenge, I thoroughly enjoyed the teaching concept. To all students, I treated with respect, honour dignity and understanding.

At that time, salaries were absolute minimum ~ certainly not in it for the money!

In a few years, I taught Grade 5 and 6 students...these ages were delightful. My greatest teaching challenges were students in Grades 7 and 8. One day, following afternoon recess, Ted did not return to the classroom. “Where is Ted?” I asked. No one seemed to know! “Was he outside at afternoon recess? Who was the supervising teacher on duty? “ I became concerned....perhaps he went to the washroom without permission...a student checked this location...Not There! Then I sent a student to check Ted's locker wondering if his jacket was there! YES! SURPRISE!

There he was! Trying to evade someone at recess time, he had stepped into his locker...

and was locked inside! He laughed...and giggled ...not a big deal!

Then, there was David (a top-notch academic student) who excelled in all subjects. Well-liked, he was by all class-mates. At parent-interview times I fully understood from where came his great stock ...his abilities... and eagerness to succeed. Yes, he accomplished that and more. Throughout High School and following university, he merited a Physics Degree.

Susan was a take-it or leave-it girl, caring not to concentrate on subject matter! Sitting in the middle row of 5, and 3 seats from the front, she was delightful. She loved to laugh and laugh...entertain those students in front, behind and on either side of her. One day, I told her, “Susan, you should become an actress!” And so she did! Many years later,I observed in a local newspaper that Susan was making her debut as an actress in a Burlington Little Theatre play. To her, I sent a Congratulation letter.

There's at least one in every class, every year ~ boy or girl who is a disturbance...Gerry was one of these: couldn't care less about lessons...slouched in his seat...gabbed to those desked near him...and to him, studies were a bore! One solution, I had for him: “Gerry, move your desk out into the hall.” It took him a few minutes, and I advised him that no matter how long it took him, it would result in a total class penalty after 4 pm. After class dismissal, I gave and explained to Gerry the homework he would need to complete at home ~ and arrive at 8 AM the next morning with work completed!

 That day, he displayed a different and improved attitude.

A grade 8 girl, Barbara seemed lethargic...couldn't give a d__ about anything, so it seemed. She lacked concentration...very sullen...not associating with other girls. Disliking Phys Ed, she didn't want to change into gym shorts. One day I noticed she had a bit of  tummy. (that's why she didn't respond to gym classes, I surmised). Grade 8! I wondered (is she pregnant)? Is this the cause of her displeasure and cause of grief? After classes one day, I chatted with her...she broke into tears...angry and crying. Getting her a glass of cool water, she, very upset and disturbed, told me she was going to have a baby. No one knew. ~ only her boyfriend and now me.

 Together we talked like Mother and daughter.
Advising her: This is not the end of the world! Gently I told her that a new life was beginning inside her. You Must Tell Your Mom! Remember, Barbara, your Mother will have a Grand-Child. Wouldn'she be happy to know that? Wiping tears from her eyes, I explained how and where she could complete her Grade 8 studies. With much reservation, Barbara agreed that her Mother and I would meet after 4 some afternoon soon ~ to inform her of the situation. “When you tell her ~
I'll be right beside you.”

Barbara smiled...and so pleased she'd' be attending a school with other girls, also expecting babies.

And when Barbara's baby was born,
her mother telephoned me ~ thrilled with her grand-baby!

And lastly ~ back to my classroom:

It was a hot, humid June day...no air-conditioning in the school...all the windows open to catch whatever breeze there was. Billy, who sat next to the windows, was busily making paper darts.

When I was not watching, he'd one by one, sail his paper planes out the open window beside his desk. Classmates near him broadly smiled ~ and so did I. Guess who picked them up!!! Not Me!.
C'est laVie!

Notation: Although the foregoing actually occurred,

I've altered the students' names.

John Wooden believes that the teaching profession
contributes more to the future of our society ~ than any other single profession.

Written by Merle Baird-Kerr...February 5, 2020
To comment: mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca