The Gift That Freedom Gave

Georgia, a member of the Teacher Leaders Network, writes:

You may think the word "Freedom" in the headline refers to the opportunity and right to make our own choices, but this true story is about a child named Freedom whose right to make her own choices about her life is limited.

Today was our last day before the holidays. I guess I hugged nearly all of our 480 students and wished them a fun and enjoyable vacation. I know for some that this break will be emotionally devastating because their home or neighborhood environments are not physically or emotionally nourishing for them. I pray that they will find something in the support they get at our school that will sustain them until they can be sheltered within the sanctuary of our classrooms again.

I hugged and said "Happy Holidays" to some who will not return to our happy learning environment. One student whose name is Freedom told me today that she would not be returning because the area where the family parks their trailer is noisy, crowded and costly—the lot rent is higher than they can afford. My heart became sad as I listened to her tell about her family's challenges.

She was even more verbal than usual as she talked about how our school was the best school she'd ever been in. For a fifth grader she waxed eloquent about the joys of working in the computer lab and learning how to use all sorts of multimedia tools. She bubbled as she talked about the projects she had done that made learning so much fun. She then gave me a hug that brought tears to my eyes. She didn't want to go and we certainly want her to stay. In just a few months she has moved from a very shy, reluctant participant to a classroom leader, inspired learner, and tech savvy student.

Our influence reaches far. For Freedom I hope it has reached far enough to sustain her in her new school and in her journeys in the coming years.

During my ride home today she and students like her were nearly all I could think about. I recalled the moments, the lessons, the activities, and some of the students whose presence in my life provided me with the most memorable/inspiration-filled moments as a teacher. We never fully know how we have influenced our students. It's a time thing, but I do know these students have shaped my life as an educator and a human being in such meaningful and amazing ways. I am the professional I am because of them.

When we think about our successes with our students and about the things we would do differently, we mold and reshape our professional selves. This is their gift to us. During the hustle and bustle of this holiday season please allow yourself a few moments to think about the connections you make with your students every day—even the ones you think are not connecting with you at all. Please allow me a moment to wish for each of you a joyous, peaceful and memorable holiday break.

I wish for every teacher the gift of "Freedom" and a 2007 filled with opportunities to share that gift with every student in your charge and every colleague in your professional family!

Comments

[John Norton]

Kathie, a TLN member from Los Angeles, replied:

Georgia, thank you for your piece on Freedom. Because I was raised in a household where cancer was the focus for one parent and alcohol for the other, school was my "safe place" to go each day, as it often is for our students.

I have had many Freedoms since I began teaching in 1970. The one who came to mind as I read your post was Paulina, a student who began the year much as Freedom did and ended the year a successful, committed student. I was involved in many things that year that took me away from my students, and one day I was prepping them for my absence when Paulina suddenly "awoke" and cried, "You're going to be absent tomorrow? But you're the only reason I come to school!" I have often reflected on Paulina's outburst, thinking how wonderful it would be if every student felt that way about every teacher.

As a literacy coach I no longer have the direct impact that a classroom teacher does (and I miss the classroom TERRIBLY); but I continue to look for ways to remind those around me that what the child brings to the classroom matters as much as what the teacher brings academically. Even secondary students need to feel connected to their teachers, to feel they matter to the adults around them, and to have someone notice when their private lives are reeling out of control. So thank you for reminding us.