After teaching in multiple buildings, grade levels, and districts, my students have taught me something important: while I am responsible for providing instruction, accommodations, and assessments, my students are teaching me just as much. They’ve shown me that progress doesn’t always look the way we expect. Sometimes it’s a finished assignment. Sometimes it’s staying in class for the full period. Sometimes it’s simply trying again after a hard day. Not every victory shows up in the gradebook, but that doesn’t make it any less meaningful.
My students have taught me the importance of patience, flexibility, and adjusting expectations in real time. A plan that works once may fall apart the next time, and that’s okay. Learning isn’t one-size-fits-all, and changing the plan isn’t failure; it’s good teaching. They’ve also taught me that asking for help takes courage. Raising a hand, admitting confusion, or advocating for support can feel risky, and watching students grow confident enough to do that is powerful.
Most of all, my students remind me not to take myself too seriously. Laughter, connection, and small wins matter. In a world that often feels overwhelming, they keep me grounded, and they make me a better educator and person every day.