Poteet ISD Sneak Peek
May 9-13
I get it.
I had a student hurt my feelings today. Words that cut deep and wounded because there is always an element of truth perceived by the one being sarcastic.
And I’ve been icing my bruises all afternoon.
The school year is winding down, and I’m tired. I know you’re tired, too. Exhaustion is seeping in. We’re wondering if we’re going to end better than we began, or if our students will be dragging our limp bodies across the finish line.
My seniors may have three weeks left, but they checked out a month ago. Some days I wonder why I even bother to have a lesson. I could just assign a reading passage and the questions to answer from the end for the next fifteen school days.
There are teachers out there who do that…
I understand why.
I spend days and weeks begging and pleading, attempting to try anything that might, just might, get my students to read the books I assign.
I craft lessons and talk about stories and show video clips in every attempt to get my teens to think outside of themselves—to see the world and its nuances. Then I spend lunch wiping the tears of the one bullied and outcast.
I stay up to grade essays and comment on ways to improve their writing. Hours spent away from my family only to wonder if it makes any sort of difference when I see those same essays in the trash.
So by this time of year, I’m ready to call it quits. Every year wondering if I can do it again.
I know you understand. I know you feel the same. I know you have nights you wonder why you chose this profession, this teaching, this pouring out of your life into hearts day after day after day.
But really? You didn’t choose teaching.
It chose you.
For me, college was spent denying the very thought of teaching. It was only a far-in-the-background safety net if the writing thing didn’t work out.
The only job I could get right out of college?
Yep. Teaching.
By Christmas that first year I said never again.
I’ve been teaching thirteen of the last seventeen years, and now there’s no other job I’d enjoy more. (Unless being a travel writer for Condé Nast was an option…Are they hiring? Tahiti sounds like heaven right now.)
It is my calling. It is my purpose.
But here’s the thing about calling. God doesn’t call us to the easy. He invites us to the hard. The get-your-hands-dirty difficult. We are not promised perfect just because we are fulfilling our life’s purpose.
Because that kid with the bitter sarcasm? He or she may still need your smile that you might not want to give.
And your class after lunch with 20 big teenage boys and only five girls, all hyped-up with sugar, dyes, and processed foods and IEPs and 504s? They need to know they’re worth the effort even when they themselves show none.
And those children from broken homes with parents who shatter each other with words or fists? They need a quiet heart to stand beside them, even though you know politicians only see their test scores and not their homes.
And those students with apathy so thick you fear they will never feel anything? For anyone? They need to see that transparency breathes a beautiful life. They need to see it in you, even when the see-through heart leaves you an easy target.
Teaching was never about us. If this profession has called your name, you’re only ever in it for the students.
That’s why it hurts so much when they act like they don’t care or when the disrespect slaps us hard across the face, and the sting burns for days.
I know you’re tired. You’re battle weary with wounds seeping and scarring. But they still need you.
They need to see your fight.
Don’t give up, my friend. You can’t. I can’t. The stakes are too high. This calling, this profession, this teaching—it changes the future.
Our students are worth starting new tomorrow. They are worth giving it all we have one more day again and again and again.
Because there are students listening. There are students learning. There are students caring. We must refuse to allow the loud voices of a few to drown out the soft voices of teachable spirits.
Let’s fight together, friends. Let’s end this year better than we began. Let’s cheer each other on tomorrow and the next day and the next until we hear that final bell ring.
This is our calling. These are our students.
They deserve our fight.
Aggie Spotlight
Blanca Vessi - ACE Director
1. What is one thing not many people at Poteet ISD would know about you?
I love animals... I would love to create some type of animal sanctuary that would provide a voice for animals in need.
2. Share a celebration moment you have about your class/students/job/co-workers/etc
A constant celebration for me is when I see our students deeply engaged in our afterschool program.
3. What Energy Bus word did you choose this year?
Optimism
4. What is your goal this year at Poteet ISD?
My goal for this school year is that through the Afterschool Program we may be able to ignite a passion for learning that students can carry back into their regular day classes through various engaging and innovative activities/classes.
5. Finish this sentence: At work I am great at _____________________.
Multitasking
6. Someone at work that inspires me is ______________.
Julieta De La Cruz; she is kind-hearted, fair, encouraging, and always willing to lend a hand when someone is in need. She has such a big heart.
Alisha Stahl - 5th Grade ELAR
1. What is one thing not many people at Poteet ISD would know about you?
Many people may not know that I have twin grand-kids! I love them so much!!
2. Share a celebration moment you have about your class/students/job/co-workers/etc.
A celebration moment for me is when my students make a connection to what we are learning and share it with the class!
3. What Energy Bus word did you choose this year?
My Energy Bus word is SMILE.
4. What is your goal this year at Poteet ISD?
My goal for this year is that my students educational foundation continues to strengthen and becomes solid and strong, so that they are prepared for 6th grade.
5. Finish this sentence: At work I am great at _____________________.
working with my team!
6. Someone at work that inspires me is ______________.
Mrs. Miller because she is so supportive and I appreciate her for all she does.
Poteet ISD
Email: msalinas@poteetisd.org
Website: www.poteetisd.org
Location: 1100 School Drive, Poteet, TX, United States
Phone: 8307423567
Facebook: facebook.com/poteetisd
Twitter: @poteetisd