What Does Compassion Sound Like?
From the desk of Alice…
I went into the media center in search of an outlet to charge computer. I thought I hit the jackpot when I found a tiny outlet beside a small round table in the media center. I plugged in and was able to work while my computer recharged. I considered this a victory since outlets are hard to find when you don’t have an office or a desk in schools.
As I sat there, I started to hear a conversation between a teacher and a student. They probably didn’t notice me because my back was to them and I was seated on a lower level than they were. In fact, I never even saw the teacher or the student, I just heard their voices.
Apparently the teacher was conferencing with this student because he was behind. Like way behind. I mean this kid had dug a giant hole in his class. His paper was overdue and she was willing to help him, but he only had 2 paragraphs written. He had left his materials at home, had missed over 20 days of her class and didn’t know his mom’s new cell phone number.
Incredibly, this teacher patiently kept chipping away at solutions to help this student be successful. She kept her voice soft and had an even tone. She kept repeating that she is willing to help him pass, but without the paper, he would not be successful in her class.
Honesty. This is what compassion sounds like.
She was able to get the number of his grandmother and called her. The grandmother lived about 30 minutes away but offered her help over the weekend to get her grandson what he needed. She said she could take him to the library and knew how smart he was and would make sure his mother was aware of what was happening. She confirmed this child had a lot on his plate, more than a high school student should probably have to manage but knew he could do this.
Appropriate expectations. This is what compassion sounds like.
The teacher suggested he come to free tutoring sessions to get the paper written and she would provide class time to help in case he needed it. He told his grandma he would do that and the teacher told the grandma she didn’t want her to have to drive into town since they now have a plan.
Problem solving. This is what compassion sounds like.
I don’t all the circumstances around this student. In fact, I don’t know how this story actually ends. What I do know is that I heard a teacher go above and beyond to send a clear message to a student that he mattered and she would do what she could to help move him toward success, regardless of the circumstance. I also know she probably had about 100 more students on her roster.
Hard conversations. This is what compassion sounds like.
I wanted to go talk to the teacher and point out how I admired her patience, her concern, her perseverance, her compassion, and her professionalism. Instead, I decided to write this blog to honor her and all the other teachers who are working tirelessly for students who need them now more than ever.