“My Fight” Needs You to Fight With Them.

‘My Fight’ is in business to END poverty. & YOU can help! When I refer to poverty in this post I want you to keep in mind that I’m not talking about the same type of “poor” we have in the …

*HELLO hAPPiNESS card company*

http://hellohappinesscardco.com/ This husband + wife duo believes that our words hold the power to change someone’s life. And so do I. They truly feel that hand written letters are magical. Especially when you put lots of love into them. Transferring …

Ali Oesch Jewelry // Hidden Gem

 I discovered this hidden gem in downtown South Bend recently and had one of those moments where you are so in love with a place and all that it has, that you almost don’t want to tell anyone else about it. Ever had …

Truths in Teaching | Humbled

That student is on my heart tonight.

You know, the one who has flea bites all over his body and who explained that he can’t shower because the trailer pipes are frozen.

You know, the one who asked to see her case manager because she has high hopes that she’s being released from foster care and returning to her parents soon.

You know, the one who comes into the classroom fuming with anger every morning and won’t tell you why, but you can see that his pain runs deep behind his tear-filled eyes.

You know, that student could be any one of twenty-something students that call me “Miss C,” know me as their teacher, but cling to me as if I am their only hope.

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My contract as a teacher states that for 180 school days, I will be at the school 45 minutes prior to the first bell at 8:35am and I may leave 15 minutes after the final bell at 3:35pm.

But I don’t work 8 hour days like my contact says. I don’t just work 180 days either. I work 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

My friends laugh when I fall asleep at 9pm during a movie, but you see, my mind is exhausted. You see, as a teacher my mind is consumed by more than just the educating that I do on a daily basis. My mind is filled with worry, ideas, concern, anxiety, solutions, and prayers for the students whom I refer to as, “my kids.”

From my high school job last year and current elementary gig, I’ve reluctantly learned that I can only do so much. I do what I can, at my very best, and I don’t give up on any student.

However, it really does come down to the parenting at home. If the parents don’t value education, the student doesn’t either. If the parents don’t prioritize their children, the student doesn’t have self-worth and is focused on gaining my attention (typically in negative ways) during the school day. If the parents baby the child, the student cannot be self-sufficent and falls behind. If the parents are not willing or unable to fulfill the duties of parenting, I’m stuck dealing with the effects of that, too. “Parent” could be a guardian unrelated to the child, too.

All of the students that are on my heart each evening do not make me wish that I were paid extra for my 24 hour 7 days a week job.

They -and their stories- humble me.

They make me realize how incapable I am on my own. How little I can do without Jesus- his love, his mercy, HIS STRENGTH. In Him, I find my rest. In Him, I seek discernment on what to do for a student. In Him, I can cast away anxiety and find peace. In Him, I can feel like what I’m doing is worth something. In Him, I can trust there are brighter days ahead.

I am praying for you, my fellow teachers. Like us, He is at work (in our hearts) 24/7.  ;-)

xoxo, Manda

Is it Possible to Stay in Touch Without Social Media?

I did a lesson with my 6th graders on how to properly write and mail letters because I thought that they should be taught how to use the old fashioned system (you know, in case technology ever crashes on us all…).

I was saddened how little most of them knew. Many students had questions about mail. How to get stamps, the purpose behind the stamp, figuring out someones address, properly addressing an envelope… It took longer to get through this lesson than I planned, but boy am I glad that I spent time doing this one!

“Miss C, you’re the coolest teacher ever! I haven’t gotten to talk to my big brother who’s in the Air Force in forever. He’s going to be so excited to get this letter!”

“Miss C, what’s your address? I want to write to you.” My first thought was, but you see me every stinkin’ day, kiddo. Ha!

“Can we write to a classmate, Miss C?” (Sure!- me) “Oh my gosh, AWESOME! I’m going to write to her over the summer now, too!”

Aside from this being a super fun learning tool for my students, sending mail is one of my favorite things that I practice on a regular basis. It keeps me writing, it keeps me connected to friends, and I haven’t met one person who doesn’t like receiving something other than another bill in the mail! Can I get an Amen?

So, get after it! I challenge you for the rest of November. Write one letter a week. Forget Facebook messages, Instagram posts, Tweets, and Snap-Chats. Send some love to your grandmother. Or encouragement to a friend. Or a thank you to a business you’ve had great customer service through. Taking the time to do so will brighten their day and make you feel pretty great, too. Did I mention no Social Media necessary?

Win-win.

xo, Manda