-
Describe a recent time when you’ve been discouraged with a student’s progress. Have you witnessed a change in the student’s life, or are you still waiting for that change to occur?
-
I have been dealing with behavioral issues from a handful of boys in one of my high school courses, with disrespect to me and other teachers, and disrespect and unkind behavior to their classmates. We look to what Scripture says, but they still mostly cherry pick from Scripture, often taking it out of context, to try to justify their actions in one area, while completely disregarding it in relation to their behavior. It is discouraging, but I know that other teachers, administration, and their parents are all joining in to pray over them and work together to try to help them grow.
-
Recently I dealt with behavioral issues with middle school students. In helping the instigator see the other parties in the conflict as uniquely made and loved by God, it helped this student understand the gravity of his own behavior. I have seen a change, and I have seen that when he steps near the line of poor behavior again, it is becoming easier to redirect him, reminding him of what we’ve been talking about.
-
This school year my 6th grade course received 3 students from the public school setting. One young man came to us to be challenged, and he is being challenged. His parents have seen a change in his attitude and behavior at home. One young lady came to us being because was being bullied at her other school. This child came to us broken in her spirit. Now she leaves everyday smiling and knowing that she is loved, worthy, enough, and valued. My other new student is a soft spoken shy individual. From the beginning of the year he has found a voice and gained more confidence in the classroom. I believe it is because we have small courses and we can invest and spend intentional time with each student. I have loved seeing my students grow. especially the ones that come to us wanting a change.
-
Recently our Christian school has accepted quite a few kids from public schools. For many of these students, their attitudes and behavior went uncorrected in their previous schooling experiences because there were far greater issues for the school staff to be concerned with. It takes these students 1-4 quarters to fully settle into and understand that our behavior is a reflection of what’s in our heart and how much their hearts and choices matter to us. So many really thrive after the initial shock of being held accountable and to a higher standard… It’s beautiful to watch the transformation and maturity happen.
-
Last year I had a student who was severely ADHD, new to our school, and his time in school was very challenging. Not only he was struggling with making friends, he was not thriving academically. I loved him, though. I loved his mom for fighting for him everyday, and I loved him, because he had the sweetest heart and he loved God. His mom was a very strong woman of faith. Unfortunately, he was expelled from our school. I am still waiting on a change to occur, I believe he will succeed, wherever he is, with the love and guidance from the Lord.