Substitute Teaching
Since January I have been working as a Substitute Teacher
for the Los Angeles Unified School District. I teach in a few different elementary
schools a few times a week and I love it so far. I have especially loved
working with the boys in the lower grades who have a hard time staying still or
keeping quiet. I think mainly because even now, as a 22 year old, I can relate
to them. One thing I have learned, especially with younger kids, is that
“disruptive” students often aren’t making the conscious decision to talk or
yell or be disruptive. Sitting still, staying quiet, and paying attention are incredibly
difficult tasks, and they simply haven’t learned how to do them yet. And as my
friends and family can attest, I also haven’t quite learned the skill of
sitting still and staying quiet. So I feel for those kids when they get pinned
as “bad students” or even worse, “bad kids”.
But realistically, it’s not surprising that kids get labeled
like that because man…. the patience that is required to teach, set structure,
discipline, and CONSTANTLY redirect a class can be exhausting. As a substitute,
I have the privilege of entering a classroom each day with a lesson plan left
by the teacher and a classroom structure that has already been established by
the teacher. And most of all, the ability to go home after a bad day without
carrying any of the burdens of returning the next day to continue teaching
foundational school and life skills. After just three months of substitute
teaching, I have gained an enormous respect for elementary school teachers who
are in the classroom every single day, getting paid far too little, and
receiving far too little recognition from those on the outside.
Kids have become a very refreshing part of my life in Los
Angeles. They have an innocence and curiosity that allows them to be vulnerable
(and often hilarious) with the questions they ask. And kids have yet to learn
how to hide the raw human desires of finding approval and affection from others.
These untouched traits and desires must be glimpses of the vulnerability and
humility Jesus was referring to when he said we must become like children to
enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Everybody wants to feel talented and liked and
worthy. The desires are simply much more out in the open when kids ask, “Mr. B,
do you like my drawing?” or “Mr. B, am I being good today?” or “Mr. B, do
you think I’m cool?”
The two prayers I make sure I pray before every day in a
classroom.
Lord, help me to see these kids and love these kids like You do.
And
Lord, help me to be more like these kids in my relationship with You.
I leave the room for one minute….
Kids passing notes….
Morning selfie...
