Taking a stand about teaching

Today I was asked to take a stand about something I strongly believe in. Of course, as a teacher, this is just one of the many things that I strongly believe in but here it is...

I strongly believe that we need to build up children's self esteem. So many of my special ed students in my class have such low self esteem that they can not learn. It is not a matter of them being able to learn but a matter of them wanting to learn. If they don't even feel worthy to have a life, how can I expect to teach them anything? I spend the first month of school building their self esteem and literally feel like I'm fighting an uphill battle against the parents (who say the child is just not studying hard enough and has been dumb all his life), other teachers (who say the child is just not studying hard enough and is just plain dumb and have told the parents this), the peers (who say their friend is funny and likeable if he acts up in class), and other students (who say he is different and weird and doesn't "belong" to their group). I give lots of assignments where the student makes lots of good grades and then I call home on a weekly basis to let the parents know how wonderful the student is doing. You wouldn't believe how many parents ask me if I'm calling the right number and talking about their child! This is so sad! I've had some parents tell me that this is the first phone call in 9 years where anyone had anything good to say about their child. Boy, now that makes me mad! I use lots of praise and positive reinforcement because these students are so used to punishment and negative comments. These students are so capable but if they feel everyone is going to kick them when they are down, why bother trying to get up. As the students become more successful and start feeling good about themselves, I start giving them more challenging work. By the end of the year, the students are learning and thriving, which is so important. Every piece of paper they turn in for a grade has to have our class motto on it which is "I am a Born Winner!" No work will be accepted if this isn't on it. When I have my students evaluate me at the end of the year, many of them say this was the best thing that helped them. I truly value my students and wish I could get others to do so too.

Thank you for taking time to read this and I hope I have made you think. If you are a parent, please try to find at least one good thing that your child has done and point it out every day. Talk to your children about encouraging their friends to do the right thing instead of giving attention when they act up. Also talk about children who don't fit in (maybe a physical or learning disability) and how they can be a better person around them. If you are a teacher, try to find one positive thing about your student, even if it is one you can't stand. Talk to your students about why some children misbehave and brainstorm ways your class can help those students. Above all, remember to value children because they are our future!