Educators can provide nurturing environment for students to thrive
Even though I am about to embark on my 35th year in education, I still experience a mixture of anxiety, anticipation and excitement about the journey that lies ahead. Students are often surprised when I share my feelings of nervousness about the first day, just like they are surprised when they see their teacher at a store or restaurant.
I hope that the child experiencing school for the first time finds it to be a nurturing learning environment with teachers who focus on the whole child. I hope teachers and administrators remember that children develop and mature at different rates. Many children come to school carrying more than just their school supplies in their backpacks. Some are carrying the weight of hunger, sleep deprivation, struggles with learning or trauma by what they’ve experienced or witnessed. I hope school provides a haven for them and a respite from the turmoil outside the school walls.
For those students who are dreading the new school year or had a negative experience, I hope they can find the courage to enter their classroom and be welcomed by a compassionate teacher. Hopefully, students of all ages will experience the excitement and joy a 5year-old exhibits on their first day of school.
To all the rookie teachers who will enter their first classroom brimming with questions, apprehension, high expectations and a desire to make a difference in their students’ lives, I hope you are embraced by your peers, supported by your administrators and encouraged by seeing the faces of our state’s future and hopes. Hopefully, veteran teachers will reach out to uplift each other and administrators will continue to be cognizant of the increasing challenges and demands that teachers are confronted with daily.
As parents and guardians enter their child’s school, I hope they experience a welcoming environment and a sense of ownership as an integral part of their child’s learning. Educators can foster this by showing empathy for adults who may be struggling with language barriers, their own negative school experiences or feelings of inadequacy.
I am very grateful for the salary increase that was passed by our state’s legislators. I hope this support for Oklahoma educators continues, as we desperately need qualified teachers to fill classrooms. Teachers deserve people to view the teaching profession as a viable career choice that is respected and valued. Teaching has so many intrinsic rewards that cannot be measured by a paycheck. I sincerely hope that our leaders at the state Capitol and at the Oklahoma State Department of Education will strive to promote Oklahoma teachers and schools. The Education Department must become a positive voice for teachers and ensure that teachers are acknowledged as vital to the future of Oklahoma.
In May 2024, when I reflect back on the school year, I hope I will have screenshots in my memory of student successes, goals achieved, struggles overcome, new skills mastered and the smiles on my students’ faces. My fervent hope is that education continues to be the bridge that connects children to this amazing, ever-changing world that will be their future.
Cathy Adams, of Edmond, is a school counselor at Piedmont Elementary School. She previously taught special education in Texas and Wyoming.
In May 2024, when I reflect back on the school year, I hope I will have screenshots in my memory of student successes, goals achieved, struggles overcome, new skills mastered and the smiles on my students’ faces.