The Secret in a Teacher’s Heart

“If you show me a teacher who isn't flying out the door the last day of school I’ll show you a teacher who hasn’t spent the year giving it their all.” -Me

It has been several weeks since I flew out the door of my school the last day of school giving high fives to my colleagues, and shoo-ing the stragglers out the door and on their way to summer vacation. Since then I have been focused on building my businesses; meeting my weight loss goals; making breakfasts, and getting the boys off to camp. But somewhere in the midst of all these things my students started crossing my mind. As much as I tried to push it back, and focus my energies on sleeping in and picking out plants for the porch I found myself going up to the school and working in the library. Why? Because my "kids" would be able pick out a book easier if they were organiized by reading level and genre of course!

As I sat in the library this summer leveling books at lighting speed I couldn't help but wonder how my students were doing. What people don’t tell you when you sign the teacher's contract is that you will subconsciously adopt some of your students into your heart. You will love them; worry about them, and grudgingly miss them when you don’t see them on a daily basis. Until you're a teacher you think that your heart is as full as it can be with your spouse and children. Yet, somehow, when you become a teacher your heart finds space for more.

Here are a few of the characters who invade your heart.

1.The “Go-To" Kid - this is the kid you love because they pay attention even during the most boring lessons. You can always count on them to raise their hand during you observation, and give an answer that makes you look like a rock star. You know that they are home reading, and will come back to school with lots of new ideas and stories.

2.The Affectionate Kid- To be honest this is the kid that every teacher dreams about when going though training. This is the kid who sees you in Sam’s club; runs up to you without warning; grabs you around the waist tightly then drags you to their parent to introduce you. The parent might not have been able to make it to the parent-teacher’s conferences, and is looking at you like “Why is my kid comfortable hugging you?” When you introduce yourself their eyes light up, and you're relieved to hear "OH YOU'RE MRS. MCCLARY!" You hope that "The Affectionate Kid" maintains that demeanor over summer break, and doesn't lose it when puberty sinks in. You miss their genuine hugs and you can't wait to see them again.

3.The Appreciative Kid- This is the kid who is excited about coming to school; is always down for an activity or project. They rarely complain and you find yourself missing them especially when your kids are complaining about going on a nature walk. You think to yourself, “_______ would not be complaining like this... they’d be down for whatever.” You actually get excited thinking about how much they will like activities you plan on doing the next year.

4.The High-Impact Kid- The kid who responds to your words of encouragement in a way that pulls at your heart. They may be quiet around large groups, and let you in through notes or one-on-one conversations. They trust you in a way that makes you feel honored. You find yourself praying for them, and looking forward to checking in with them when September comes. This is the kid that you are enormously protective of.

5. The Comedian - This is the student who always has a quick comeback or joke to share. They enjoy seeing people laugh, and have unknowingly given you several much needed chuckles as you drive home decompressing from the day. You are already anticipating the stories that they will have to share when they come back from break.

6.The Good-Natured Kid- This is the kid who is so outgoing that you cannot help but like them. Even when they are getting in trouble they accept it with a smile and an “Ok Mrs. McClary you’re right... I’m gonna stop talking.” This is the kid that you tell all the time that you’re going to pull them by the ear, but they know you are only playing. They are your support system when it comes to being paired in a group with a peer that NO ONE else wants to work with. They seem to bring the best out of everyone around them.

7.The Fast Track Kid - The one that you just know is going somewhere in life, and you hope that if you need a doctor or lawyer you get them. They soak up everything you have to offer and implant it into they’re psyche to propel them further. They are driven and need little motivation from you. With them you're allowed to just set backhand and watch the learning happen.

8. The Seedling - This is the student who you spend the majority of your interactions planting seeds. It is unclear if they are getting any support from home. Your heart does a dip every time they make a bad decision. They are at times rebellious, unmotivated, and seemingly uncaring. But every once in a while you see a glimpse of a spark, and despite how much frustration they cause you are rooting for them. With every lunch detention and parent meeting you are rooting for them to turn it around.

9.The Bonus Kid- This is the student that might be the combination of the before mentioned kids... sometimes they make you work hard, and might even give you the hardest time. Whatever it is you find yourself thinking of them as your kids. If they are having a problem you want to hear about it. If they have a decision to make you give them wisdom and they honor your advice even if they don’t take it. They show you pictures of their boyfriends/girlfriends and blush when you tell them they are too young and have too much to do in life to be having a significant other. These kids DM you and message you on FB to show you their prom pictures, and they tell you finally after years that they believe you when you tell them you love them. These are the one's that you remember long after they have graduated and are living their adult life. They still call your name when they see you in public and every time you see one of them your heart swells with pride.

So I encourage all teachers today. When the copy machine is broken and the heating system is on the fritz. When you're covertly grading papers during the faculty meeting. When your supplies are getting low, and testing season is just around the corner. Remember why you do what you do. Remember that the children are apart of your legacy.

See you in September!