Do you think this type of person and others like them are just mean and ugly inside or were they treated this badly themselves? I often ponder this question. I’ve been on the receiving end of a very brutal (and loud) teacher, then on the receiving end of a wonderful eye-opening one. I prefer the latter! I saw the first teacher break a student’s spirit before my eyes; it was unreal. My saving grace was my attitude (at the time). I didn’t take shit from anyone! Of course, her wrath did sting… but, I wasn’t going to let her see it. I wanted to reach out to that student years later, but she died in an accident. I would hope she regained her self confidence and self love.
Excellent question! I wonder why someone would go into the field of teaching, if they didn't value the student first? Some people do have (in my opinion) a misguided notion that "tough critique" will build their skills and in turn toughen them to face a difficult world. So, perhaps as you say, they were treated badly themselves. Yes, I too hope that student regained her self-wealth and worth. Wrath begets more wrath...people are complicated.
Oh yes, I’ve come across many teachers who said that they are tough on students in order to prepare them for the world! How silly! I so love reading your stories, Mary. I look forward to them!
Agreed! Seems like if we assist them in building on their strengths, their interests, engage them in growing their experiences, their world view, the views of others, teaching them to listen to the point of view of others and giving time for them to also share their point of view, looking for common ground, identifying injustice and set about righting wrongs...play, laughter, sharing...all of these "things" prepare one for "the world". I mean, we don't give people our age walkers and canes and say, "You better learn how to use these, because in the future you'll need to use them!" I so appreciate your input and that you read "my stuff".
I LOVE the way you stated the way your thoughts have developed--that it's not about the mean person being mean, but about whether we choose to accept their input. Very wise. I will share that with my middle schoolers.
Thanks, Goodge-O...yes, time and experience have given me a different lens in which to view things. That means sooooo much to me that you will share this insight with your students. Thank you.
Mary- did she share what exactly was offensive about that iron? Did she not like how you represented it? She sounds like such a nasty person. I'm sorry :(
If she did, I was too busy fighting back tears to hear her. It's okay...I am "free" now and our little students and my daughter, really did facilitate the healing I needed to just be "me" and to not let the negative comments/opinions of others, define me. Thank you for reading and also for commenting (and for sharing your kind heart)
Agreed...It's like Dr. Smith on "Lost in Space"..."The pain, the pain of it all". I do find that writing about things (sad, happy and in between) is a wonderful way to reflect and to process. Thank you for reading my story!
Do you think this type of person and others like them are just mean and ugly inside or were they treated this badly themselves? I often ponder this question. I’ve been on the receiving end of a very brutal (and loud) teacher, then on the receiving end of a wonderful eye-opening one. I prefer the latter! I saw the first teacher break a student’s spirit before my eyes; it was unreal. My saving grace was my attitude (at the time). I didn’t take shit from anyone! Of course, her wrath did sting… but, I wasn’t going to let her see it. I wanted to reach out to that student years later, but she died in an accident. I would hope she regained her self confidence and self love.
Excellent question! I wonder why someone would go into the field of teaching, if they didn't value the student first? Some people do have (in my opinion) a misguided notion that "tough critique" will build their skills and in turn toughen them to face a difficult world. So, perhaps as you say, they were treated badly themselves. Yes, I too hope that student regained her self-wealth and worth. Wrath begets more wrath...people are complicated.
Oh yes, I’ve come across many teachers who said that they are tough on students in order to prepare them for the world! How silly! I so love reading your stories, Mary. I look forward to them!
Agreed! Seems like if we assist them in building on their strengths, their interests, engage them in growing their experiences, their world view, the views of others, teaching them to listen to the point of view of others and giving time for them to also share their point of view, looking for common ground, identifying injustice and set about righting wrongs...play, laughter, sharing...all of these "things" prepare one for "the world". I mean, we don't give people our age walkers and canes and say, "You better learn how to use these, because in the future you'll need to use them!" I so appreciate your input and that you read "my stuff".
I LOVE the way you stated the way your thoughts have developed--that it's not about the mean person being mean, but about whether we choose to accept their input. Very wise. I will share that with my middle schoolers.
Thanks, Goodge-O...yes, time and experience have given me a different lens in which to view things. That means sooooo much to me that you will share this insight with your students. Thank you.
Mary- did she share what exactly was offensive about that iron? Did she not like how you represented it? She sounds like such a nasty person. I'm sorry :(
If she did, I was too busy fighting back tears to hear her. It's okay...I am "free" now and our little students and my daughter, really did facilitate the healing I needed to just be "me" and to not let the negative comments/opinions of others, define me. Thank you for reading and also for commenting (and for sharing your kind heart)
Oh my, how awful. I’m so sorry you had to go through this. Someone just dying to burst your bubble.
But it was obviously a valuable life lesson. I hate it that they are always so painful.
Agreed...It's like Dr. Smith on "Lost in Space"..."The pain, the pain of it all". I do find that writing about things (sad, happy and in between) is a wonderful way to reflect and to process. Thank you for reading my story!