What I Saw In Social Media This Week

I had a friend post a video showing a teacher in Detroit (I believe) using his own personal money to buy his students much-needed supplies (school supplies, food, clothing, etc). After watching it I asked my friend why he was doing all this and she said he lost his wife and son in a car accident and that was his way of helping underprivileged children in his community. This speaks volumes to me because as educators we will be looked at as not only teachers but a key factor in helping "raise" our students. One of the top complaints I hear today from teachers is "I am not the parent" but in reality, some teachers spend more time with certain students than their own parents. Teachers need to realize that students today may look to them for guidance or help in certain topics that do not pertain to school. We need to be available to students when necessary, as kids may feel more comfortable talking with us rather than someone in a guidance position.  Working in security (in a large school district) I am on the front lines when it comes to this very topic. Kids come to me looking for answers or guidance from questions they ask, but I also have to make it very well known that I can only assist so far. I have had kids come to me with family issues, issues at school (bullying), grades, homework questions, and the most often asked questions about relationships (breakups). I do not see this as a bad thing, but rather a positive that they feel comfortable coming to ask me questions. Much like this video I watched, I see myself performing the same kind acts of kindness this particular teacher shows his students.