A student with some serious mental health concerns last year has turned a corner. He’s feeling better, he has his bad days, but he is feeling better. He and his parents told me that he’s happy to have someone to talk to. (We all cried during his parent-teacher interview.) They did the work to get him here, but a hug and caring ear go a long way.
Travis and I team teach Humanities 20, we took our 72 students to City Hall for a week in September. We thought it went pretty well but we learned that one of the kids was so inspired that he applied for the Mayor’s Youth Council. Meanwhile, his brother was so excited about last years’ Social Action project that he’s now on the Youth Central Board approving grants for deserving youth.
An unexpected message from a former student came this week. Feeling that he needed to share with someone that wouldn`t judge, he came out to me as transgender. As honoured as I am that he feels this way, I am happier that he is able to proudly be himself.
We do more than teach curriculum, I saw that this week.
What a week.
Lori (@lmagale) is a Social Studies and Community Learning Leader at Robert Thirsk High School. A little judgy about music, Lori is passionate about teaching, art and the Montreal Canadiens.