Yesterday, I was lucky enough to attend Singapore Math, which is a workshop for teachers, that teaches all levels really, how to teach math better. We attended a workshop specifically on how to draw models the Singapore way, which was phenomenal. Not only was it good teaching, but it was very inspirational for me.
During the daily grind which we typically call school, we as teachers sometimes forget why we are there. And as I looked at some of the problems that were in our workbook, (which I was supposed to solve) I thought to myself, that it just wasn’t going to happen. (These were at least jr. high level, so don’t worry, I am still qualified to teach 3rd grade 
) However, as the presenter, would begin to get us started doing the model drawing, something inside of me clicked. I suddenly understood how to do the problem, and had a desire to work ahead, and see if I could solve it on my own! And to my great pleasure, I could!! (At one point, I asked one of my fellow teachers if we could raise our hands to show who got it right…still working on that whole being competitive about everything thing!) It thrilled me to realize that I could work these problems that I thought I would not be able to figure out. I wanted extra practice so I could keep working at them and be successful! And that is when it hit me.
Not for the first time, but with great realization during the midst of stress for sure, that that was the reason that I chose to teach. To see the light bulb go off, and to make students feel successful. To help them to enjoy school. Yet as day after day goes by, and we pour out our heart and soul, not to mention every last drop of energy to the blessings entrusted to us, yet see no change, we forget about that. We think it becomes just about the paycheck, or just about getting them to pass the dreaded test. But it’s not. It is about changing lives. It is about teaching them skills that will help these young children make it through life. Whether they are directly academically related or not. Oh, how I long to be able to remember that in the midst of this Spring semester, filled with stress and EXPECTATIONS. (more to come on those dreadful chains)
This was not my first reminder from the Lord about this either. However, some of us are just naturally slow learners, or stubborn one. I received a very special Valentine from one of my students this year. It was wrapped in a piece of computer paper, and I was told I had to read the paper first, or I wouldn’t understand. On the paper, it said, “When you look in the mirror, do you see what I see?” I started tearing up right then, in the middle of my classroom. I opened the package, and on a small mirror, printed with love, it said, “The best teacher-Mrs. Kellum.” It was too much, I cried and told the child how much it touched me. I am not putting this on here to brag, because by no means do I believe that I am the best at teaching. However, it was a reminder, from one of my students, that beyond all of the expectations, I am touching lives. Beyond the daily TAKS passages, and the trainings, and the endless math problems: I touch their hearts. And if you have any idea how I feel about the heart, then you know how much that means to me. It moves me.
These two things were not my only reminders however. Before the other two there was a third. I guess it was what started all of this. It would be called Beth Moore. I am currently in her Esther study, and there is a lesson on destiny. She says that when you are overwhelmed, (hello, isn’t every teacher from August to May?) and the timing could not be worse, you are right smack dab ready for destiny. Every day, I am doing exactly what God called me to do. I am touching lives. Changing them. Pouring out his love. As a teacher. Is there anything more that I could ask for? Is there anything more that I could desire? For a career, I can’t think of anything. I get the opportunity to pour out love daily, and forever touch the hearts of young children. I may not always see the results. I may never see the results, but by golly, I am going to do my best to remember daily, that I do more than teach reading and math. I change lives for the Lord. And there is no higher calling than that.
So to all the teachers out there, remember this. As you inspire your students to learn, and to be successful, there is much more at stake than the right answer. You hold the heart of a child in your hands, to mold, and to shape. You not only inspire success within the classroom, but success outside of it as well. Keep inspiring students: to learn, to persist, and to grow, into the adults they were created to be. It is your great privilege.
Thank you Jesus for this amazing opportunity. Let me daily view it as such.
Brooke
