The relaxing freedom of summer was coming to an end for this school teacher. The reality of jumping back into the school year hit me as soon as I pulled my car into the school parking lot. I walked into the building as my heart skipped a beat. As I passed the row of neatly aligned lockers to make my way to my classroom door, I noticed the smell of the clean hallways and new textbooks.
I smiled. A new school year meant another chance to make a difference. Fresh clean starts.
I knew these hallways would soon be filled with students just waiting for someone to show them their value. Feeling refreshed and rested after a nice summer vacation, I felt my motivation kick in. This middle school teacher was going to rock it.
I couldn't wait to meet my students.
Before I could even dive into unpacking the brand new sets of whiteboards and dry erase markers, I heard a knock on my door. It was my principal. We exchanged small talk with a smile, but I could tell from the tension around her eyes that there was a bigger reason for her impromptu visit on this busy day before the students arrived.
She began to tell me the story of Nolan* -- the boy listed on the top of this teacher's class list. I listened intently, trying to process the fervency behind the story of this student aching to be heard. She proceeded to tell me that he was coming from fifth grade with several behavior and learning problems. Unfortunately, he was passed through the system and although he showed some acquisition of skill, the level at which he learned was not attained as deeply as his classmates. He was shuffled through grade levels and due to his behavior, many teachers did not have the time nor the patience to put up with his short comings.
My principal shrugged. He's been in and out of my office for the last year. Keep me updated. As she turned to head back to her hectic day, she faultered. I could tell that she was sympathetically warning me that I had my work cut out for me.
I took a deep breath. This was going to be challenging. Okay, God -- You gave me this student because he needs me. I can do all things through You.
This story is not about me. This is a story about God using a teacher to help one of His own children shine.
THE SCHOOL YEAR BEGINS: I decided to not focus on Nolan’s past and sought to get to know him. I had open communication with him and his parents and continued to be straight forward with his progress. His mother welcomed the communication and mentioned that this had not happened in the past. I breathed a thankful breath. Finally, a small victory. I took note of this step in the right direction and kept persevering.
Nolan and I continued that constant communication by having daily talks before and after class. I tried to show him I was on his side but if lines were crossed and behavior interfered with learning, he knew I would follow through with a consequence. It took lots of patience. I was quickly reminded that establishing that connection between home and school was crucial. With his parents on my side, Nolan and I were making progress. A behavior plan was specifically created for Nolan, and when Nolan met the behavioral targets, he was rewarded. When he did not, he faced the consequences. A routine was established, and I saw a small glimmer of progress.
Finally, a small victory.
NOLAN'S STORY:
Although not officially diagnosed, Nolan showed signs of Aspersers. His fear of failure and loathe for his classmates streamed from a very unsettling home life and resulted in several moves throughout various school systems. Not to mention, he stuttered. He thought people saw him as inferior because of this unique trait. In fact, he began the year with a note from his mother asking me to never call on Nolan nor ask him to speak in front of the class. As his language arts teacher, I knew sixth grade was the time students perfected their ability to get in front of others and present their knowledge before gracing the halls of junior high.This is a major road block, God. His parents just gave him an excuse not to try. Help me reach him. I found my prayers becoming more constant with each day.
SMALL STEPS & SMALL GOALS: I worked with him throughout the year and set small goals for him. I noticed that he began to raise his hand in class. I rewarded him and praised him for volunteering. We took small steps together. He orally presented his speeches first in front of just me. A few weeks later, he spoke in front of me and a handful of his friends. I continued to increase his audience over the next few projects, giving him guidance and encouragement. Three-fourths throughout the year, he got up to present a short poem in front of his class. I was stunned. My heart lept for joy at his readiness to face his fear and my big smile was noticeable from the back of the classroom. My heart was touched as his classmates encouraged him and applauded his successes.
This was the nudge he needed. He needed to know that he was safe. He needed to be accepted and loved by his peers. Even more than that, Nolan needed to see past the labels that he placed upon himself. As the school year closed, he had enough courage to get up in front of his class to present a two-minute long speech on a figure in society who made an impact on the world around him – something his parents never thought he could do ... and he did it!
This story is not about me. This is a true story about God using a teacher to help one of His own children shine. Oh, how I have been on the receiving end of that so many times. I am not saying it was easy; in fact, I can’t even begin to mention the number of frustrating days or how many very challenging conversations and moments occurred within the classroom that year. I can't even put a number on the amount of times I drove my car home gripping the steering wheel just praying for intervention. I did not realize how much one child needed my constant attention and how it could affect me – but he needed my attention, my patience, and my perseverance. He needed a picture of God in me.
NOLAN'S SUCCESS By the grace of God, I sent Nolan to seventh grade with a skill set that he will use to help him reach the next step in his life.
I hope that he remembers all of OUR conversations about strong character and always giving his best. I hope that he remembers how to treat others and how his classmates treated him by looking beyond his stuttering. I hope that he remembers that he can do anything that he puts his mind to, and I hope he aims for the stars.
I do believe that God used me to make an impact on him and helped mold him into a stronger person -- but no matter what, Nolan taught me as much as I taught him.
He reminded me that hard work combined with patience and prayer makes all the difference in the world.
Jesus: with You, the impossible seems possible. You make the blind see and the lame walk. Nothing is too hard for you. Sometimes, things in my day seem impossible for me to face -- but I know they are impossible to face without You. Help me to always remember to come to you and ask You for help even with the smallest detail. If there is someone in my life that needs you, give me eyes to see what you see. Use me to be a vessel that I may direct them to You with your strength. Let me see victory! In your name, amen.
NEXT STEPS: Find your 'one': If you could think of ONE person in your life that needs the joy of the Lord in their lives, who is it? Pray for them. Then pray for them again. Never stop praying for them! It's amazing what prayer can do. Know that Satan might throw his darts your way when unanswered prayer occurs. He may fill you with doubt and convince you that God is not listening. Those are lies. Satan comes to kill, steal, and destroy. Combat those falsehoods by praying even fervently at the feet of Jesus. Your prayers will be heard!
ENCOURAGEMENT: Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength! 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
John 10:10: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I (Jesus) have come that they may have life -- and have it to the full!
CHARACTER OF GOD As you read through His Word, recount the character of God. Take comfort that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The same God that was patience with the heroes of the Bible is patient with you. The same God who heard the prayers of Joseph, Daniel, and Paul is the same God who is listening to your voice. You are His child, and He loves when you come to Him to ask for help.
*His name isn't officially Nolan. Since is this is a true story, it's wise to change his name only to protect him.
