Journal Question #13

This entry answers #13 of the Reading Methods Journal

Is it evident in word as well as action that the teacher has a genuine respect for his/her students? love for the teaching profession?

Of all of the teachers that I have observed, Mrs. Overstreet is the most caring and genuine that I have ever met. She is a seasoned teacher and explained to me that at one point in her teaching career she just didn’t “get it”- that children need to be loved and respected before they can be taught/learn anything. She told me that since that time, she experienced the transformational love of God in such a way that she was inspired to love her students just like God loves his children. She is highly effectual in doing this.

Having observed Mrs. Overstreet’s class from week 2 of school, I watched the beautiful progression of her relationship with her students. Initially, they were timid and reserved. Mrs. Overstreet took the time every single morning to hug and talk to every single one of her students as they walked through the door. She told me that it was the most important part of the whole day. I believe that it is because of this that the children developed incredibly deep respect for her. It was clear to see that they loved her so much that they would never do anything to betray the respectful relationship that they had with her and that she had with them. She respected her children and in turn, they respected her.

Mrs. Overstreet exudes love and happiness. Though I did hear her complain, most of her complaints were about the conditions of her children's home lives and lack of parent communication- not the teaching profession. It was abundantly clear to me that Mrs. Overstreet loves teaching. She is an incredible teacher who recognizes what is most important in the classroom- the students. When I become a teacher, I want to be like Mrs. Overstreet and have a caring heart, a sweet spirit, and a deep-seated passion for teaching.