Educators value the involvement and support of parents, guardians, families and communities in schools.
Story Time:
Last day of practicum, one of my students was still at school when I was leaving, and she looked incredibly lost. When I asked her “[Marie] (fake name for student confidentiality), what are you still doing here?” she replied “I do not think my bus has arrived… or it did and left really quickly.” I stayed with her and continued to ask if she inquired to the office. Now, the thing you need to know about Marie, is that she is incredibly shy and constantly worries that she is asking too much of people. We have been working on her confidence for a few months now (as I have had her in in previous classes) but sometimes she needs some assistance asking for help. So we phoned the bus garage, no answers. Secretary, no answers. So I suggested we call her mom.
Marie called her mom and could not seem to form the words to tell her what was going on, she seemed nervous and mom seemed a little on edge that she was still at work, and a text from her daughter that the bus didn’t show, didn’t help. Marie began to panic that she caused her mother this grief, so I asked if I could have the phone. Why? Because I had a relationship with this parent.
The second I was on the phone, you could hear relief in her mother’s voice “Oh thank GOD you’re there Miss. T.” which I found interesting, seeing as I don’t necessarily view myself as a “real” adult. We chatted on the phone for a bit and I stayed with the student until she was able to be picked up. Mom later sent me the following email [edited for confidentiality reasons]:
“Hi Rae
Just sending an extra thanks for everything that you do! (Don’t burn yourself out)– honestly, I have never seen a teacher put the effort into teaching as you have done! Thinking back to when you made videos for the kids during lockdown — I could just imagine you prepping and planning how you were going to get the content across to the kids – it was phenomenal!
I appreciate your support yesterday LOL! I’m like [Marie], thank god it was Rae on the other end! We laughed and laughed. So, it turns out that it was a substitute bus driver, didn’t wait the allotted time and left the school early – seems that other students missed the bus as well. The day also started out of whack as well with the bus breaking down. BUT IT IS ALL GOOD NOW!
All the best to you and look forward to seeing you in the schools full time!
PS – Just know that when we hear your name in the school and the parents shout “yay,” that’s pure awesomeness.“
I am glad that the effort I put forth in creating relationships with my students and parents helps create a beautiful sense of community. I love that we all have this trust in each other, and I wouldn’t trade those relationships for anything as they help the learner thrive not just at school, but at home too.