Every year I have one or two students from a program at a local college do a practicum in my classroom. Possibly they will do a social work degree in the future but for now, they are interested in pursuing social service work of some kind.
They may or may not end up in a school setting and are not even sure if they will do work with children.
But, they know they want to work with people. Do important work that matters.
They are not will-be-teachers. They are in the room to absorb, to observe, to connect and to be involved.
Early on, we need to sit together and decide on their goals for the practicum.
What is their personal learning going to be? What are they hoping it might be? They need to choose and record three goals.
Personal learning. Which means they should tell me and I should just sit back, listen and encourage. Which I do, mostly. Mostly. But, there are a few things I want them to consider and so I try and influence one of those goals. I want them to think ahead years from now about what they need to learn to still be doing this work. I want them to look for answers while they are with us. I ask: “Have you thought about longevity with this work? One day you will be as old as me, will you still be here? How?” And then when they look all worried and overwhelmed, I quickly add, “It’s okay if you’re not! But let’s talk about how you might be.”
These college students are in my classroom for a reason. There are just a few elementary schools where they would experience relevant learning for their program. They are not watching the intricacies of how we teach math or asking questions about my literacy program. They are here to think about and learn about interacting with people.
I teach in a high needs school where the majority of our students are living in poverty. Poverty means increased stressors. It means all the things you think it means: food insecurity, lack of appropriate housing, poor health, fewer opportunities. Without going into more details, I can say that these college students will learn a lot by spending time in my classroom and interacting with my students. Sometimes, there are moments that are really hard. You hear some words more than you should inside our school walls: heartbreaking, overwhelmed, challenging, sad, need, need, need.
This is hardly only what it is about. Not at all. But this aspect is there.
The work these students choose to do is vital work. Being able to do it for the long haul is about some careful thinking. It is not just about self care and work/life balance, although those things matter. It is also about perspective. Choices. Self-awareness.
There are certain take aways I hope they will leave with. Not that they should have it all figured out but that the beginning of their learning has started.
I have worked in this community for 21 years and I can articulate some of what I know I need to know. It’s not about figuring things out about others – the students, their families, the community, it’s about looking inward and knowing yourself. Finding ways to keep learning, to be present, to love almost all of it.
Here we go:
Everything is about relationships. Relationships do not exist without respect. Period.
This relationship you will have with people you work with is not one sided. You will give and receive. Be open and ready for both.
You have access and opportunity to help people. Our society has all kinds of inequity and injustice. You chose to be in the role you are in. Not everyone has the opportunity to choose. Certainly, nobody chooses poverty.
Judgement has no place.
Place matters. The most relevant work happens where people live. Where strength comes from and goes back to the community. Where community has a chance to grow. Be a part of that.
Luck is real. You don’t come from poverty? You are lucky. You no longer live in poverty? You are lucky. Lucky is not better than. Lucky is simply lucky.
Needing help and vulnerability are intricately connected. Be kind. Be gentle. Be aware.
Don’t take things personally. It is not about you. You might be present for anger and rage and upset. Don’t take it all on. Bear witness. Be patient.
Be brave. Be wrong. Be humble. You will never know it all. Not even close.
Celebrate. Laugh. Learn. Multiple times a day.
Sometimes, you will cry. This doesn’t mean you can’t do it. You are overwhelmed. You are human. It gets easier even though some things will always be hard.
Find ways to hold up something beautiful every day. Every day. This is nonnegotiable. Take this with you on your way home. Leave the hard and the challenging and the ugly at work. It will be waiting for you to return with new eyes and new energy tomorrow.
Realize that you will learn the most when it is hardest.
Have simple ways to give to yourself. Make sure you have them everyday. Mine include: good strong coffee, a daily walk to work, the world of amazing books, time with wise friends, a wonderful family.
Too tired happens. Sleep fixes it. Rest, recover, refuel. It’s okay.
Know that you have chosen to do work that matters. Remember that thing about luck? You are the luckiest. Let this feed your soul and shine it back out on the world.
I am participating in the Slice of Life challenge to write and publish a post every day in March.
Slice of Life is hosted by Two Writing Teachers. I thank them for the community they provide. Read more slices here.
There's a Book for That 
So wise, so articulate. I may have to print this one out and keep it in my desk. I think one of my greatest pieces of luck is my innate optimism. I get discouraged over and over, but I never STAY discouraged.
That is a beautiful way to be!
Yes, this is one to print, read, reread, share. Beautifully crafted, full of heart and wisdom. How do you do it each and every time, Carrie? Your writing is very special (as are you).
Kathleen, as always you are too kind. Thank you.
You write with so much wisdom and love every time.Thank you. You are helping teachers too.
So pleased to hear that Loralee.
I was thinking of this line: “They are here to think about and learn about interacting with people.” That’s what teaching is really about, right? Sure, we have content and instruction but ultimately, it is the lives of those in front of us that matters the most. We’re all social workers when we come into our classroom each day.
Kevin
I agree Kevin – it is all about the connection. Everything begins from there.
You are writing important stuff here. Your wisdom and practical advice is needed. I hope you are looking into writing for publication. The world needs people like you.
Wow, many thanks for this Margaret. Means a lot to me.
Luck is real, these students have the good luck to be placed in your class to learn how to interact with people in the best way possible. These are words we need to remember, always.
Many thanks Elsie.
“Realize that you will learn the most when it is hardest.” I love this, we preach it, but we need to live it.
We do. Welcome it, instead of complain . . .
When you spoke about luck, I thought that first, that college student is very lucky to be working and learning from you, Carrie. And second, that all of us reading this are lucky, too! This comes from your heart, your experience, and a lot of hope. Thank you!
Thank you for finding the hope Linda. I have lots of it!
Great reminders for us all–college students and veteran teachers alike. I have a feeling that anyone that spends time in your class is lucky. I’ve enjoyed reading your thoughts each day this month, Carrie. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much for sharing this with me Alyssa!
Well said! I have worked in a high poverty school twice in my career. I wish I had had someone to share your advice with me. “Don’t take it personally” and “Hold something beautiful every day”. This was advice I needed. Your college students are lucky to spend time learning from you and your students.
It is work where we need lots of support. Thanks Erin.
Carrie – I forwarded your beautiful post today to my daughter who works in finance in nyc – she is one of those people who wants to do good work. She told me you inspired her! And you can add me to that list.
Cheryl – thank you for sharing this with me! I am very touched that you would share it with your daughter.
Dear Carrie,
Thank you for sharing your loving wisdom with my students. It has been a number of years now that we at Langara College (Social Service Worker Program) have had the privilege of placing our practicum students with you. Lucky us and lucky them! Your willingness to share your wisdom and breadth of experience is truly appreciated and has had profound influence on their development as social workers and as human beings. You are so right about the value of relationships….whether you are a teacher, a social worker or a citizen of the world. Your teachings are profound and I thank you on behalf of all of my past, present and future students for mentoring them in your classroom.
All the best,
Fran Grunberg
Instructor
Fran, it has been an absolute pleasure to partner with you all of these years.
You have such a gift for reflection…I admire that so much!
The college students completing their practicum in your classroom are fortunate to have someone willing to listen to them and share with them.
Thank you Lori.
This is a lovely piece, and so wise as well. I have taken this to heart and just shared it with my FB friends. I want all teachers to read it! Thank you.
Lisa, thanks for sharing!
Reads like a set of proverbs with some story telling to go with it! Very well phrased and thought provoking!
Thank you!
I wish this piece had been written twenty-three years ago, when I burned out from teaching special education after six years in a one-size-had-to-fit-all resource room–though I probably would have quit anyway, knowing that for myself, I could not be a good mother AND a good teacher in that environment at the same time, and my unborn baby deserved my best. I admire your commitment and perseverance. Thank you for passing along these life lessons to the next generation of caregivers.
Thank you so much for sharing this comment. I left a special education class that I taught for exactly that reason – wanting to have children. It is such a hard balance. And tough decisions for sure. It is really not okay that teachers are set up to burnout. But it happens all the time.
Wow. This is one of the most powerful posts I’ve read in a really long time. And I chuckled to read the others printing this out – I was just wondering about the best way I could save this to re-read and re-read!!
Thank you for taking the time and energy to formulate and share your thoughts. I love the internet for what it has offered teachers alone in our classrooms – connections and relationships with inspiring educators who might not be next door or even down the street. Thanks for sharing your wisdom. (-:
Many thanks Cathy – for reading and sharing and thinking about re-reading! WE sure are lucky to be able to learn so much from others around the world. Otherwise, it can be a very isolating profession.
So many things, so well written. I finished reading and thought, Carrie is giving college students an opportunity to not only gain knowledge and experience in her classroom, but to also develop reflection and grow in wisdom. Thank you for sharing. Thank you for sowing into the future.
Alice, what a lovely comment. Thank you so much.