Why I Teach: the Kid Connection

Parker Palmer wrote in “To Know as We Are Known” that most people go into teaching not for fame or fortune but because of a passion to connect.

I agree. I taught elementary school, was an assistant principal and am now a principal. I think of this quote as I stand watching “the line.” It is lunchtime--a time students have longed for, a time teachers love and the time when the staff watches the lunch line.

Approximately 500 hungry students will pass through the multipurpose room to get lunch from our cafeteria and await release to the playground.

I connect with students in many ways, from classroom visits where I look at the work they are doing to interacting with those who make “inappropriate choices,” and many other instances. I am happy that they know me just as I know them.

I move down the lunch line to remind students to face forward in an effort to keep the line moving.

I see a student who brought a plastic bag filled with freshly cut grass that he told other gullible fourth-graders was marijuana. Since he reportedly scared students by forcing their faces into the bag, I wondered how many students are susceptible to hay fever and could have thought they were experiencing a marijuana high.

I ask several students to tie their shoes. A first-grader replies that he doesn’t know how. I ask him to stuff them in his shoes because I don’t want him to trip and fall. I recall that his mother objected when the teacher sent a note home suggesting the child learn to tie his shoes. The mother felt the teacher had no business telling her what to do. He stuffs his laces into his shoes and returns my smile.

I notice some students are unkempt, in need of a bath. I smile and say hello. They smile back revealing various dental needs.

A kindergarten student compliments my tie with a huge smile. I tell her I like the sweater she is wearing.

I stand watching the lunch line and think about those who say that one measure of success is to garner the love of children.

How true. I feel very fortunate to have the affection of many young people. While scores of these students may not be topping the charts, their hearts are full of kindness, for which I am grateful.

I am thankful I am connected to them.