“Mom, you know that kid Max who always seems to be bouncing off the walls and causing chaos in class?” My daughter, Lily, put her fork down, her eyes wide with concern.
“Yes, sweetie, but remember we shouldn’t talk about others when—”
“I know, Mom,” she sighed. “That’s not what I mean.”
“Okay, then what do you mean?”
“I just wanted to say that Ms. Taylor has this incredible way with Max. She never seems to get annoyed with him like some other teachers do. She’s really nice to him and always asks for his help. And I noticed something — Max does better in Ms. Taylor’s class than in any other. I think it’s because she treats him with kindness.”
At that, I had to fight back tears.
I understand Max’s challenges. I empathize with his mother’s worries, the anxiety that comes from feeling judged by teachers and peers alike. I know the heartache of having a child who struggles in school. I also know the profound relief that comes from having a teacher who seems to work wonders with your child.
From preschool, my son Ethan faced difficulties adapting to the structured environment of school. As a toddler, he often came home with notes stating he “refused” to sit quietly during story time or disturbed naptime with his energy. We talked to him daily about the importance of listening and maintained a consistent schedule at home.
Yet, the notes kept arriving.
Elementary school was no different. Ethan received his first note home just two days into kindergarten. I felt defeated and, honestly, like I was failing as a parent. His behavior was clearly different from his peers, leading me to question my parenting abilities. I grew frustrated with Ethan’s constant disciplinary notes and disappointing parent-teacher conferences, convinced I must have let him down.
A few years later, we learned that Ethan has ADHD. I dove into research and discovered that neither I nor Ethan had failed. He simply has a brain that processes information differently. He learns best when he can move and make noise, often straying from the task at hand.
His brain is a whirlwind of creativity, but it rarely aligns with the traditional learning environment. He can be a challenging child to raise and teach.
So, when a teacher truly understands my son? It fills my heart with gratitude.
We’ve had several compassionate teachers throughout Ethan’s journey, but a few stand out for going above and beyond to show him acceptance and love just as he is.
Rather than trying to fit him into a mold of what a student should be, they embraced his unique approach to learning. They didn’t see his fidgeting as a problem to be corrected; instead, they recognized it as a necessity for his creativity. They provided him with opportunities to express himself, whether by exploring science magazines in a cozy reading nook or sketching in the back of the classroom.
Instead of reprimanding him endlessly, they highlighted his strengths — his unique ideas, his passion for space, and his artistic talent — all in front of his classmates. This recognition not only boosted Ethan’s confidence but also helped his peers understand and accept his quirks.
This is what Lily was referring to when she mentioned Max at dinner. It’s clear to me when a teacher has that exceptional ability to connect with “difficult” students, but I was pleasantly surprised that my daughter noticed as well.
I know exactly who Ms. Taylor is. Ethan often spoke highly of her. She was among his favorites, always making him feel brilliant and never treating him like a nuisance, which is how some teachers unintentionally do.
I smiled at Lily. “I guess Ms. Taylor just has that special gift of recognizing kids with learning differences—”
“No, Mom,” Ethan interjected. “She treats everyone that way. She makes everyone feel special. All the kids adore her. She always makes class exciting but still holds us accountable. And during recess, she joins in and plays with us.”
Perhaps that’s it. Maybe these remarkable educators simply love all children, which allows them to excel with those who have learning differences. They see every child as deserving of a tailored education, attention, acceptance, and love.
These teachers profoundly impact the lives of not only my son but countless other children. They reassure these kids that they are valued in a world that often tells them otherwise.
Thank you to Ms. Taylor and all the educators who create a loving and welcoming environment for kids like Ethan. Your dedication does not go unnoticed.
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In summary, the teachers who embrace and support children with unique challenges play a critical role in their development, ensuring they feel special and accepted. Their impact is immeasurable, making a lasting difference in the lives of students and their families.