Many kids won't remember the specific lessons or the subjects that you taught. Most of them, however, will retain the influence you had on them as one of the major adults in their lives growing up. They will remember your overall positive or negative nature, your enthusiasm for your subject or your boredom with. They will remember if you cared about them individually and as a whole. They won't remember what you wore, just if you showed the respect or irreverence for yourself.
They look at you with eyes seeking to learn who they want to become.
"Choose your love and love your choice" (quoted by Pres. Thomas S. Monson). This means realizing what a teacher really does- provides nurture and care to all people, whether they be students, colleagues, or neighbors, but especially students. You are with them for the majority of their day, and thus, have one of the greatest impacts on their emotional, spiritual, psychological, and physical well-being. Treat them as a Child of God. Treat them as you wish you would be treated. Treat them as a respected friend and fellow learner. All are Great in the sight of God. As teachers, we need that same sight; so when, everything else around them tumbles away, they have something to lean on- You. And, the love you showed for them, when perhaps no one else had bothered to. You are a teacher and a role model. A light in the darkness, and a friend in the midst of despair. You are a teacher, who loves all mankind, wanting the best for them all, and strives to fulfill the noble calling of being a teacher to God's children.
Never forget how important you are in the life of a student.
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