Saturday, 19 April 2008

Being a student teacher... out in the world

I sure do teach a lot of students. A LOT of them, ALL OVER CREATION. Some of my fellow teaching colleagues figured that out, too. I was talking in the teacher's lounge during lunch at Harrington this week to one of the second grade teachers and she mentioned to me that she thought it was cool that I teach her daughter at Holland Christian in addition to her second grade class. I had to laugh; she told me how she and her daughter were talking at home one day about it.

"There's a student teacher working with the music teacher out at Harrington."
"Really? That's interesting, we have one, too."
"Hmm. Do you remember his name? Ours is named Mr. Racey."
"Are you serious? That's OUR student teacher!"

And then it dawned on them. The student teacher was the same guy.

I sometimes live in a fantasy, dream-like world as a teacher. When the clock strikes the end of a day of school, I know I don't exactly quit being a teacher. I've realized that much. But when I leave school, I sometimes forget that my students also leave, and that they're just as much out there in that big world, too. And that I might see them, too, when I leave Hope's campus and go out there. Boy, did I ever experience that tonight.

Encounter No. 1: I'm sitting at Wendy's, eating my dinner, enjoying a nice read with a copy of St. Augustine's Confessions. I had a long day busily teaching at Maplewood and the really small kiddos at Lakeview for the first time since February, so they were happy to see me. To my surprise, one of my 3rd graders from Maplewood that I had just taught that day spotted me and says hello. I wave and say hello to Alex, a little embarrassed-I'm dressed pretty casual and looking like a college student.

Encounter No. 2: Nate, Nik, Ross, and I decided that a movie night required some more fun-ness by some ice cream first. That necessitated our first spring outing to Captain Sundae. As I'm walking with my friends, one of my 4th graders from Jefferson is walking with her parents towards their car. Emma looks at me, stares for a second, and says, "Hey Mr. Racey!" I look back and smile, say hello, and wave. Two student encounters in one day? That's unusual.

Encounter No. 3: I know exactly what I want... the Sand Dune looks delicious, and ice cream sounds great tonight. I get to the counter, and I'm greeted with, "Hi, Mr. Racey!" I can't believe it. Inside is one of my sixth graders from North Shore with a huge smile on his face when I look to see him. Matt helped make a delicious sundae for me, though. I can't complain.

Currently Reading St. Augustine Confessions (Oxford World's Classics) By Saint Augustine see related