A Note From the Teacher

           I remember that August 13 years ago.  We were newlyweds with an upcoming deployment in the Navy.  I still didn’t have a teaching job.   I had just graduated with my Master’s in Deaf education and so my options were limited.  Then two weeks before school started it all happened.  The interviews, the introductions, emergency credential and my classroom.  Room 11.  I was so new that legally, I had to have another teacher with me in my room on the first day.  I was informed by colleagues that I had one of “those” parents along with one of “those” students.  I was so scared in the beginning.  It was a challenging year to say the least, but I remember each one of their names and faces.  I remember their stories and how they became Deaf.  They will forever be my first students.

        As we all enter this school year of 2020 I am grateful to be homeschooling our kids while traveling.  I have been researching and planning since January.  I was equally excited as they were to head to the store to buy pencil pouches and highlighters.  It is new though.  We have been hybrid homeschooling the last two years but this year is different.  This year we are all in, full time on the road.  Yes, this year is different.  I think we can all say that.  I don’t  think it matters if your kids are starting preschool or high school.  Homeschooling, virtual learning, in person, half and half, “A and B” days and all the other combinations… schooling has never looked so different. Different can bring up doubt, fear and anxiety.  We feel like we don’t know how or we don’t have time.  We feel inadequate as teachers.  We feel someone else could do it better.

      I’ve taught in New York City and California in public and private schools. One thing I learned along the way…You are your child’s best teacher.  You have been there from the beginning, you know their strengths and weaknesses.  You know when they need a break and  when they are thriving.  So I know this year is different.  I’d like to suggest we see the different as opportunity.  No matter how you’re doing school this year you have an opportunity to spend more time with your kids.  What do you want to teach them? You’re grandma’s special recipes? How to grow tomatoes? How to fix a car? We have an opportunity to give our kids a gift this year.  I know a lot of you work and doing both is hard.   Give yourself grace.  You don’t have to become a teacher, you already have been since the day you brought your kids home from the hospital.  You can do this.

So this is your note from the teacher, that scared one from 13 years ago, it will be hard but I believe in you. So do your kids. They won't forget the time they have with you this year.  Seize the opportunity.

They will forever be your first students.

Much aloha,

Nani