9.21.2010

i remember max...

I've had many jobs - restaurants, resorts, design studio, large corporation etc. etc.  Somewhere in this crazy mix is the job teacher.  Through a rather odd series of events, I was a 2nd  grade homeroom teacher  at a small private school here in Phoenix.  I was only there a few short months but I adored the children - adored them.  Second graders are lovely.  They are still excited to learn, they push their hands into the air, frantically wiggling and reaching for the sun as they plead with you to call their name for an answer.

I have not seen those children in 10 years.  They are in high school now and around this time of year, I think of them.  You can almost guess how they turned out because even as early as 2nd grade, people are marked.  There were the social butterflies, the outcasts, the athletes, the artists, the quirky ones, the struggling students, the little Einsteins and in my classroom, there was Max.  Red hair, freckles, thick bones, shirt half untucked, messy haired Max.  Prior to the start of school, I was given notes on Max - he already had a little bit of a reputation for trouble, possibly a bully.  I was a strict parent and a very strict, but I hope fun, teacher.  I was prepared for Max.  I thought I had his number.

to be continued tomorrow...

22 comments:

Maria said...

As both an educator and mother of boys, I can not wait to hear the rest of this.

I always struggled with the "labels" given to children and passed on by prior teachers (and with the children I served I was given lots of opportunities to sift through "data"). But, I found taking the "intel" lightly, or at least with a grain of salt worked for me. As with any person, the way you choose to interact with them can either bring out the best or the worst in them. Sometimes what is good and positive in a person is obvious, but other times you truly have to go looking for those positive attributes or talents (sometimes, even in your own children or loved ones.) I am grateful for the times when others have graciously done that for me.

Jude said...

I also teach (though far, far older students) and involved in social policy research so am on tenterhooks for the rest of this story!

I'm totally with the first poster on struggling over labels - I think they're well-meant sometimes, but wish more people knew to also take them with a grain of salt. I got labeled as a kid with a learning issue (but happily went on to a great college and then PhD, hence my "label-ambivalence"!)

Tess Kincaid said...

Looking forward to seeing how the story goes. Labels are so unfair. Unfortunately they often become a kind of self-fulfilling prophecy.

koralee said...

Oh I will be waiting to hear more...thanks for visiting sweet friend. xoxox

Reya Mellicker said...

Can't wait for the next chapter. Second grade, wow. Yep. By age 7 we are fully formed.

Jillian said...

I cannot wait for tomorrow now!!!

My sister has taught Second, third, and fifth grade. She adored second grade as well.

KR said...

Ah! yes, I remember it well! Looking forward to "the rest of the story".
Another great photo!

RockinJ9designs said...

Oh, and I'm the mother of that student (no not the bully-but the one that requires a lot of attention when he disrupts the class). That was kindergarten and he did not like it one bit. It was to hard-they make you work etc etc etc. I would get a weekly calls from the principle informing me that my sweet, dear child was in his office having a chat. Now we are in first grade. He says it is so much easier than kindergarten. He likes to challenge himself on his homework sometimes. He has the teacher every boy (and boys father) would like to have. She is beautiful, soft spoken, and dreamy. I can just see my son now off in la-la land.Other than those qualities, she is an awesome teacher and has some great ideas for my son and others who require things outside the box.I am behind her 100%.Can't wait to hear the end of your story. Mine might take a decade or two.

Ren- Lady Of The Arts said...

I have two boys- I want to know what you think about the the whole process- I'm looking forward to this-

Leah said...

Oh I am sure you were a great positive influence in his life! Can't wait to read the rest!

Luvs!

Anonymous said...

oooo you have my interest piqued!

A'n'G Johnson said...

I can't wait to hear about this either. As a counselor to "trouble" kids, I'm always interested in the perceptions teachers and other aids have when they about the kids I work with and how maybe it alters their interactions with them...

A'n'G Johnson said...

Oh, and thank you for visiting Marta Writes today and commenting on my guest post!

MJM said...

I teared up a little thinking about Max. I'd love to know what he's doing now!

Andrew H. said...

Those 2nd graders were indeed a batch of characters! I know the Max story and I too am looking forward to the next chapter.

pamela said...

second grade seemed so long ago. oh. because it WAS. hard to imagine i will have my own second grader in a few years. wonder what her teachers will say!
will tune in tomorrow.

jeanette from everton terrace said...

I think they will say, "she is just adorable and so full of ENERGY..." and you will have to say "just like her momma". Who was our 2nd grade teacher anyway?

KR said...

Miss Gerhardt?

jeanette from everton terrace said...

Yes, I think it was her liked her very much.

Blair McLeod said...

2nd grade is such a fun age -- still naive, still affectionate, still full of wonderment, but starting to dabble in mischief!

want to hear more about max!

Beatnheart said...

Hi Sweetie, Catching up...Little Max sounds sweet. rice pasta sounds good...odd shoes photograph well..tomatoes still deelish...thanks for the visit and yes I wish you could have come to the opening too. We’d have some serious fun...lets go up to Willow and visit our French Friends!!! or maybe go to Roundtop...

jeanette from everton terrace said...

I totally wanted to go to Roundtop this year but we are leaving for a different vacation Friday. Shall we make a date for next year? I'd love it!