Lormerins reality

The Influence of a Teacher Children often compare their teachers to their parents. Teachers prepare children academically, and whether they like it or not, have an influence in the lives of their students. What a teacher says to a student can have the same effect as to what a parent says to their child. It is the difference between a student trying their best due to an encouraging teacher, and a student giving up because the teacher demeaned them publicly. Teachers must be aware of how they speak to their students as for what they say can truly effect their lives. Attending elementary school is one of the most preceptive moments of a child's life. By both teachers and students, I was considered a “teachers pet.” A majority of my teachers had always chosen me as a classroom helper or as a positive behavioral example for the rest of the classmates to mimic. My second grade teacher, Mrs.Minor disliked my goody-two-shoes attitude, and what seemed purposely at the time, belittled me. Mrs.Minor yelled at me for correcting her or for finishing my work too quickly. she allowed me to feel inferior. I was frightened of her and this made me feel awful about my education, myself and especially her. I was so afraid to go to school because of her words and attitude towards me that my mother had to volunteer in my class so that I would go back. This memory of Mrs.Minor has been embedded in my mind until this day, because of her attitude I am more shy and quite in school. This is a clear example of how teachers can affect a child's education. Teachers have control over a students ability to learn and succeed in life. In Dick Gregory's “Shame,” Gregory's teacher diminished whatever little bit of hope he had left. Gregory was a humble, under privileged young boy, attempting to impress a middle class girl, Helene, in school. Until one day when his attempt failed and his teacher reminded him and all of his classmates, including Helen, “we know you don't have a daddy.” Gregory's once proud demeanor evaporated that day because of one person, his teacher. After that incident, Gregory was discouraged to go to school. “I walked out of school that day, and for a long time I didn't go back very often. There was shame there.”. Teachers do not always realize what they have said or, do not care what kind of lasting impression they have made on their students. To be a teacher, he or she must understand that all students, no matter race, financial situation or personal troubles, must be treated the same. If a child is feeling inferior than a teacher is not doing their job. A teacher must encourage his or her students to become better individuals. It wasn't until I read Dick Gregory's “Shame” that made me take a look at my own teaching styles. As a paraprofessional, I not only work with first grade students, but special education students, as well. My job leaves a lasting impression on all of the children. As I took a step back and reevaluated myself as a teacher, I began to wonder if I had left any child feeling discouraged. I recall a seemingly small incident an early January of 2013 while playing a math game with a students, Henry. I caught him hiding some of the math tiles. “You are a cheater!” I yelled while waving my finger at him. He began to cry uncontrollably and refused to sit with me the rest of the day. At the time I shrugged it off as a reaction to my raised voice, but looking back now, I think to myself “Will those words be remembered in Henry's mind when he his older?” Teachers do not realize they have put down a student until it is too late. As a paraprofessional, I have to remind myself, that these students look up to me and what I say and think of them reflects in their behavior and feelings about school. I would like to be remembered as a mentor, and not an oppressor. Being a teacher is at times very difficult . Sometimes we go through extremes for our students no matter what the situation, to ensure students are getting all the help they need, academically and emotionally. There are some teachers, that take their students breath away. There are teachers who light the fire of encouragement. For me, it was my sixth grade teacher, Mrs. McKnight. She taught me something you do not find in textbooks, to be proud of myself. Sixth grade was a hard year for me because we were going through “the awkward stage.” My classmates and I were maturing and developing physically and I was just a bit insecure about developing slower than them. Mrs. Mcknight saw that insecurity, and assured me it would all pass. Her gentle approach, her pure honesty, and comfort as a teacher was appreciated and reflected in my self confidence. She gave me the incentive to become a teacher. Mrs. Mcknight, was an example of what all teachers should model to their students: Inspirational. A teacher often finds him or her self going above and beyond for their students. When reading Helen Keller's “Footsteps of My Life,” I can see how her teacher, Mrs.Sullivan, did just that. Keller became blind and deaf at a very young age, and it was not until she met Mrs. Sullivan, that she learned not only how to read and write, but she taught Keller what love was. Keller says of Mrs.Sullivan's teaching technique, “It was my teachers genius, her quick sympathy...which made...my education so beautiful. It was because she seized the right moment that made it so pleasant and acceptable to me.” When a teacher applies love and confidence into how he or she teaches, it is contagious and students become fearless and encouraged to work harder Teachers do not often realized the wonderful effects they have on their students. I have looked back at the many moments I have spent with my six year old students and noticed that the small things made a big impact. I taught students how to write new words and many more how to tie their shoes. Though it seems like these things are small steps in their big journey, I have left a footstep in their little lives, that they may carry with them forever. The feeling is exceptional, knowing that they look up to me to help them with an educational lesson or person troubles. It is not only the student that feels this love, but the teacher as well. Having a proper and fulfilling education should not depend solely on the students but especially on how the teacher is guiding them. Both texts showed two different teaching behaviors. In “Footsteps of My Life,” Mrs.Sullivan, taught Keller that with love and patience learning is possible. While, in “Shame,” it is because of his teachers negative comments that Gregory became uninterested in his education. Teachers are more than just teachers, they are mentors; parents; counselors and friends. A teachers words and attitudes can determine a students future.