My best student is a 14 year old girl. She is a joy to teach. She comes to class, prepared and ready to learn everyday. She tries very hard to excel. The young lady is a member of the choir and speaks often of going to college on a choir scholarship. More importantly, she asks questions. She comes often after school for a quick review of the expectations for homework or a general question. The thing I enjoy most about her is that she "acts" like a 14 year old. She laughs and talks with classmates, but whenever she is redirected, she always says Yes Ma'am. She often encourages her classmates to do better and be better. I find joy in knowing that this young lady is on her way to a better life. For a child to talk about college, everyday, is a beacon of light.
My most challenging student is a young man. He is 14 years old. He reads on a 2nd grade reading level. He has already decided that he only wants to be a mechanic when he grows up, and so school is a waste of time. He has done 1 assignment, literally, since the first day of school. He is a continuous disruption in class. He constantly talks about others and uses vulgar language. A good day is if I can get him to just be quiet. I have reached out to the parents, no response. I have referred him to the counselor and the social worker. Apparently, he has always been in self-contained SPED classes, but his parent opted out for high school. This is going to be detrimental to this young man's future. I do not believe that a regular classroom teacher can fully service this child. I try my best everyday to help him. Sometimes, I sit near his desk and read to him, or ask him basic comprehension questions. I have tried everything with this child. I feel unsupported in my efforts. I know that there is hope for this young man, I just don't know how to reach him. I don't think the powers that be have the answers either.
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