Thursday, March 29, 2012

The remarkable impact of one teacher who believed in her students...

This story has had a lasting impact on me.

Many years ago, before I was ever published in a Chicken Soup book, I read a C.S. story about a substitute teacher who was assigned as a long-term sub. Small class, but the numbers next to each students' name threw her for a loop. She doubted she could reach these students, but she believed she owed it to them to do her best. She developed and provided enrichment activities.

After six weeks, the principal asked her how she had improved the students' scores in all areas. Their achievement was off the charts.

"I just did what I could to inspire them. I was afraid when I saw that they were all gifted, but..."

"What made you think they were gifted?"

"I saw their IQ numbers next to their names."

"Those were not their IQ's; those are their locker numbers. They are special education students."

We are all special, and we all have the need for affirmation, someone to believe in us. We also need to believe in ourselves. How many times have you told yourself you couldn't do something? How many negative messages do you feast on? "Oh, I'm not a writer. I don't write well enough to submit a story. Nobody would be interested in..."

Rephrase, reframe and the results will surprise you.

Conceive it, believe it, achieve it!

11 comments:

Donna Volkenannt said...

Inspiring post, Linda.

Sioux Roslawski said...

Just like in the movie Field of Dreams: "If you build it, they will come." If you believe it, they will be it.

Pat Wahler said...

What a sweet story.

Pat
Critter Alley

Bookie said...

testing

Claudia Moser said...

This is a great story, truly inspirational!

Kathy's Klothesline said...

Just numbers .....

jabblog said...

Inspirational:-)

Susan said...

That was a great story, Linda. I hadn't heard that before. Yes, teachers definitely make their impact, some more than others, of course.

I think you, as a pre-school teacher, touch a lot of little lives, too.

Take care and have a super weekend.
Susan

Lynn said...

Nice...

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