Rich Henderson's Diary
The First 180 Days
Rich Henderson, a lawyer, always dreamed of being a teacher. Last year, he gave up his law career and returned to the classroom to earn his teaching certification. This year, his dream finally comes true in a fifth-grade classroom in suburban Woodbury, Connecticut. Each week during this school year -- Rich's first year in the classroom -- he will share with Education World readers his thoughts and feelings about his first 180 days!
Rich's Diary: The Best Award!
Week 20
Awards come in a variety of forms. Trophies, certificates, money, and accolades are a small sampling of the awards people can receive. Each form of an award is representative of the hard work that leads to the acknowledgement by others. This week, I received an incredible award. There were no trophies, no speeches, no banquet, and no flashing cameras. The award was simple and innocent in its offering, yet its effect was overpowering. I received nothing of material substance, yet it was greater than any glistening plaque that money can buy. This award was one of appreciation, and my students unknowingly presented it to me.
"I'm moving." That was all that I said. It was an introductory statement that was meant to inform my class as to my whereabouts for two of the upcoming days. My wife and I had bought a home, and we were moving closer to Mitchell Elementary School. I wanted to share this information with my students. Before I could utter anything else, my students reacted in a manner that was surprising and filled with emotion. Those two simple words, which were meant to begin a conversation, became the conversation. My students thought, and understandably so, that "moving" meant leaving and that I was no longer going to be their teacher. Some students gasped; some asked "Why?" and "What do you mean?" Others just looked at me in astonishment -- as though I told them that there is no such thing as pizza. As I quickly explained the intended purpose of the conversation, I slowly began to feel the impact of their unexpected reaction. They did not want me to leave. They did not want me to stop being their teacher. Even amid the persistent complaints about homework, projects, and school "not being fair," they seemed to appreciate my role as their teacher and the daily interactions that we have established. Their simple and innocent reaction was one of the greatest awards that I have ever received. It was indeed a powerful moment for me.
If I ever had any lingering doubt about my change of careers, it was extinguished in that moment. If I ever wondered how true wealth was measured, my answer was clear that it doesn't come in a paycheck. If I ever wondered why I became a teacher, the reason was never so clear as it was in that moment of appreciation. It was, indeed, a memorable moment.
(See the main article: The First 180 Days: First-Year Teacher Diaries for a link to the Education World message boards and an opportunity to respond to Rich!)
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Rich Henderson
Education World®
Copyright © 2000 Education World
01/31/2001
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