Letter to Jeramey

Dear Jeramey,

While having your letter read in my Differentiated Class, I was honestly touch by your story. I think that it is amazing that you are teaching High School in Mississippi. I truly think that would be a hard position to teach, but you are Brave! I think that it is important to know that you are the teacher that can leave footprints in the students hearts forever. While I know it is not that easy, I think you can accomplish it. As reflecting upon your letter, I have come across some ideas that will help you hopefully accomplish what you are looking for.
First, you need to let your students know that you "respect them and you also respect who they have become." This is important, especially for high school students they are already in a world that does not respect them, because they have the title "High School Students," but know that they have the respect from you will help them know that they in return can respect you. Also they have already become something, it is your job to know who they have become and help them grow from that. This will help establish a respect in your class to help you move to create a community.
Second, at this point they don't want to learn, because they don't find anything valuable to them. You as a teacher need to help them know that you do have important things to learn today and they are worthy things. When students realize that you are making time with important things and they are worthy they will start to want to learn, if the opportunity is there. However, you must create that opportunity for them. I know there are not many resources for you, but I am sure they have not had many all their lives if you make some resources available the students will understand their value and will want to make more of an effort.
Last, create a community and a support system with in your classroom. You may think that it may be too late, but it is not too late. These children need this support in order for them to learn and grow. By creating this support system you can create a community and allow them to share what they are thinking and well as you can share what you are thinking. In class we have been talking about Morning Meetings, now I know in high school it would be more difficult to have one of these, but you could make adaptions to your class. This I am finding out is creating that safe community and a place where students are sharing their feelings. It lets them know that you will show respect for people, their ideas, and their property. It would help create the opportunity to want to learn and be grow. Something like this may be just what you need.
I hope your class will get better for you, and that you can be the best teacher you would like to be. Just remember you are leaving footprints in those students hearts forever, Don't Give Up!! I know you can do it, because I can tell you are a special teachers because only teachers who care and are very special would be in the position you are. I hope what I have said will help you along your journey. Best of Luck, and hang in there it will come.

Love,

Erin Randolph