Armstrong Family: Substitute Teaching

"In learning you will teach, and in teaching you will learn." Yes, Phil Collins, I completely agree. For three months I had the joyous opportunity of teaching and learning from hundreds of first through eleventh grade students. I could list the number of classes I taught, or all the subjects... however, I'd rather remember and share special moments. Some of my favorites were eating lunch with my daughters, playing basketball at recess with the boys... and hand-games and hopscotch at recess with the girls, receiving countless hugs, finding notes in my lunch bag, feeling a small hand slip into mine, playing the ukelele, teaching my daughter's classes, playing learning games in Spanish, singing and dancing in theater class, finding sweet notes on the white boards, teaching music classes, giving out hundreds of dum-dum suckers, creating a putting course in the hall, and much, much more!

There were moments when I taught the students, but there were MANY more moments when they taught me. I heard words of encouragement from one child to another that melted my heart. I witnessed acts of love in the classrooms and halls. I saw students cheer each other on academically and in sports. Above all... I saw growth. The type of growth that occurs when youth are becoming their own. I saw them face challenges and conquer. I overheard hurtful conversations and witnessed them work things out and come to a resolution. I watched frowns turn to smiles as kind words were shared. My favorite? Seeing the expression of relief and happiness when they felt safe and included by someone that truly cared about them.

One day, after giving extra love and attention to an energetic and sweet second grade boy, he told me I was the key to unlock any door. As I thanked him for his kind words, my heart filled with gratitude knowing that these youth are our future. They are the ones that will unlock countless doors! They are wise beyond their years and have the ability to deal with the fiery darts of the adversary. They are a choice generation. Being in their presence is an honor and my purpose was only to be a guide on the side.

As Gibran said, "No man can reveal to you aught but that which already lies half asleep in the dawning of your knowledge. The teacher who walks in the shadow of the temple, among his followers, gives not of his wisdom but rather of his faith and his lovingness. If he is indeed wise he does not bid you enter the house of his wisdom, but rather leads you to the threshold of your own mind."

I loved walking among the youth, seeing their faith and sharing in their love. For this short time in my life, I will always be grateful.