When we think about our school experience, we all have some highs and lows that come to mind. Maybe happier times on the playground with friends, or memorable field trips. It’s a different experience for everyone when we reflect on our time in school. With this in mind, I would like to highlight a key factor that can make or break our schooling experiences: our teachers.
Teachers have the opportunity to make a difference in a student’s life, and it doesn’t have to revolve around academics. Teachers who demonstrate guidance and support to their students can change a student’s life in so many ways, and they don’t even realize what they’re doing at the time.
Unfortunately, this is not the case for every teacher or every student. Sometimes we will come across a teacher with whom we don’t feel comfortable. It can be an issue from our side or the teacher’s, and that’s ok. The teachers you’ve had with whom you didn’t mesh are not a representation of all teachers, but they make the ones you did mesh with stand out even more than they did in the first place.
Teachers who make a conscious effort to give their students an inclusive learning environment can make all the difference.
A teacher who consistently puts in effort to care for their students, not only in academics, stands out. The ability to create an environment that provides this level of support fosters a space for students to feel seen not only as students but as unique individuals. When a student knows that their teacher cares about their well-being as well as their academics, it’s easy for them to notice. Teachers who have a genuine interest in seeing their students succeed in life are the ones who arguably make the greatest impact on their students. When a teacher supports their student, it can provide them with confidence that lasts throughout the rest of their life. It’s a great feeling to know that one’s teacher believes in them or offers encouragement to continue pursuing new goals in life.
I had a teacher who was extremely supportive of me, and it was my English teacher during middle school. She was different from my past teacher. She always provided her students with a sense of support and a positive learning environment. What’s more, she went out of her way to demonstrate to all of her students that she cared about them and their well-being. This made her the best t teacher that could be.
The time and dedication spent to become an impactful teacher didn’t go unnoticed.
Not all teachers put in the effort to create a supportive environment for their students. While it’s not required to become a teacher, it is something that makes them stand out positively when someone reflects on their school experience.
The support of a teacher goes a long way. I can attest firsthand to having such an impactful teacher, who made me feel more confident about pursuing my college goals. Her support stays with me to this day.
Without my English teacher, I probably wouldn’t feel as confident in my abilities or think that the goals I set for the future were remotely possible. Her unwavering support has been influential for me, and I know I’m not the only one. Teachers like her make one want to come to class each day, excited to learn, rather than dreading the time spent in school.
So, think back to how a teacher made you feel seen as an individual while encouraging you to achieve your goals. The support from this teacher must have a lasting impact on you, given the positive experience you had during your time in school. If this resonates, feel free to share with a friend.
featured image via RDNE Stock project on Pexels
