When we are young, we readily absorb the words of our teachers.  Like little sponges, we soak up the lessons of those who we spend the majority of our time with.  Of course, parents will always have the first crack at a child’s earthly impressions, but it is often the instructions offered by our school teachers that can become equally influential.

Since I spent twelve of my school years with nuns, most of my initial impressions toward my earthly existence were based on their words.  I will never forget my mother’s mocking tone as she expressed her irritation with my apparent adoration for one of my elementary school teachers.

“Sister said, Sister said,” she repeated with some distaste.  “God forbid you do anything but what Sister said!”

Perhaps my mom felt her authority was a bit threatened by Sister Mary Something.  As a parent myself, I can appreciate the fleeting moments of concern that arise when permitting my young fledglings to absorb the opinions of another adult.

Just as it is my responsibility to show my children how to think for themselves, I trust that a teacher will provide the proper tools to assist my children how to learn.  Whenever a question arises, my first instinct is to certainly give a teacher the benefit of the doubt.

Considering that this individual completed a degree in education, has hands-on experience in a classroom, and chose this line of work as their profession deserves my utmost respect.  Regardless of the situation, this is always the point from which I approach an area of concern between my own kids and any teacher that has the privilege of holding their attention.

I only raise my eyebrows when it appears that a teacher has focused more on what to think than how…and even then I remain confident that my kids will know the difference.

Tags: classroom, educational years, school teacher