Hopefully we've all had the experience of that one teacher we'll never forget. The one that somehow understood us, connected and helped shape us into better, more educated, people. For me, this was my second grade teacher, Mrs. Guy. I couldn't exactly tell you what made her such a special person, just that she really made an impact on me. So much so that I continued to visit her classroom each year that I progressed and that I continue to swap Christmas cards and have the occasional chance conversation.
This past year, my son, Connor, switched schools as he was entering first grade. Connor is a remarkable child that somehow captures the heart of everyone he meets. He loves to laugh, play and curl up in your lap for snuggle time. Of course, as any good brother, he also enjoys tormenting his sister, but usual makes it up to her by playing side-by-side, no matter how "girly" the game. Connor also has ADHD and characteristics of high-functioning Aspergers. These make sitting through an entire day, paying attention and absorbing information a bit challenging.
I was very concerned when we switched schools. Entering first grade, he was at the bare minimum of where they expect children to be in terms of their current knowledge base. My bigger concern, though, was not where he was at, but how far behind he would get over the course of the year. We've always known that he is incredibly bright, but Connor called the shots and rarely would engage in activities to encourage learning. Just trying to get him to sit on your lap for a story was a struggle. How was he ever going to learn if we couldn't get him to stay on task and find ways of presenting information in ways that excited him?
Blessedly, my fears were quickly alleviated when we met his first grade teacher, Mrs. Setzke. I hope there are more special teachers in Connor's future, but I suspect that this will be the "it" teacher that he recalls with fondness and admiration. I can't say enough about this woman and the impact she has had in our son's life. It really does take a village to raise a child. She didn't love my son any more than me or my husband. She didn't teach him things we didn't know. She didn't try harder or invest more effort than we were willing put forth. But, she did find a way to engage him that he understood and enjoyed. A way that we couldn't seem to find. Most importantly, she gave us hope. Hope that Connor will not be bound by any limitations and has the same potential for success as every other child in his class.
I am imagine that I will fret over teacher placement every year, knowing that, for Connor, the difference between a year of growth and the need for special services is the difference between a teacher that "gets him" and one that doesn't, or doesn't have the desire to try. For now, I will just be grateful for the moment and hope that Mrs. Setzke has brought our family.
Words never seem to adequately express just how grateful I am, so I usually try to *show* my feelings, too. For Christmas, Connor helped me to pick fabric to make a rag bag and matching zipper pouch.
Cute model, eh?
As a reading specialist, I thought Dr. Seuss fabric would be a good choice. Connor said he was sure that Mrs. Setzke would love the Cat in the Hat. I had my doubts, questioning if I should just make it something pretty, instead, but it turned out that he was right. (How often do I doubt my children only to have them prove me wrong?) In fact, as I sat in the classroom on the last day of class to enjoy an ice cream social, I saw the bag by her desk. It's one thing to make something for someone just to do it with no expectation of gratitude and/or appreciation (which, in my opinion, is the only way to craft). It's a whole other feeling of goodness when you see them enjoy the treasure you've poured yourself into creating!
And, here's the woman we've come to adore.
Though Mrs. Setke has been a first grade teacher for many years, her passion is to be hired as a Reading Specialist. She is currently awaiting a reply from another school to see if this dream will come to fruition this year. We are keeping her in prayer in hopes that she does receive the job. However, selfishly for us, if it doesn't work out, we'll be pretty excited, too, because we found out that she is moving to 3rd grade and that Connor may have the opportunity to have her for another year. Can you imagine?! Into the Lord's hands!
