With only 2 weeks of teaching my Crossroads Co op on the horizon, I'm starting to feel really nostalgic- while reflecting on an amazing semester full of learning, laughs, growth and love.
Having the same group of 24 students every day, all day.... for a whole semester can open up so many opportunities for flexible learning and sharing. It can also be physically & emotionally daunting for us at times. Its an understatement to say we're like a family - because we actually feel and act like one! After all, we practically live in that room for 7 hours a day, and it's evident when there are students clothes, stuffies, supplies & binders that live there permanently too! (What? Why would we use lockers?!!)
Every day in class there are displays of love and encouragement, lots of jokes and affection, and of course every family comes with the odd small disagreements which require me stepping in to console, care and correct. A family should have a circle of support surrounding it and in my case that includes our social worker, counsellors, LST staff and admin.
But how often in a regular 1.5 hour class can I fully get to the core of my students' needs and emotions? How often can they feel so comfortable sharing with each other their struggles, anticipations and hopes - therefore their identity? Its not impossible. I strive for it with every class. Often I'm left wishing I had more time. But honestly, it's much more conducive in a co-op class where students are together for a longer period. Moreover, I get a glimpse into my students in the working world when I visit them on work placements over 3 weeks. That "real world" experience is so eye opening for both of us. Many of them come back appreciating school a bit more ;)
The growth that the students experience is so rewarding. Students who walked in with a "tough guy" facade the first week, now openly discussing their hopes and dreams and fears. Students who were so anxious to speak at all, now sharing proudly. Students labeled with disabilities, dyslexia, defiance, and dysfunction who in my eyes are simply pure beings just wanting to contribute, connect & belong; To tell their evolving story and be heard.
The growth that I have experienced in these co-ops as an educator over the years is immense and continuously rewarding. I've learned to relax the rules, to listen carefully, to follow my intuition, to really dig deep into my patience threshold. I've learned it takes more work from BOTH of us. I've learned that in a family, everyone needs a different approach and I must tailor that for each student to be at the center of their learning. I've grown to feel more comfortable to challenge students to do better and worry less about being in the comfort zone for too long. After all, this is where the magic happens. When I believe in them and hold them accountable so much that they don't stand a chance to say "I can't do this."
Of course there is the rare student who will have other priorities. Who will be in a place in his or her life that only they understand. Whose journey includes being at school when they can, and moving on. But when each and every one is here, they're present for a reason. I've learned to greet them the same regardless. They are valued when they're here and They are missed when they are not here.
What impresses me the most about these students year after year, is the love they show each other. The compassion when someone is sick, away for a few days, or having a hard time at home. Sharing circles on Monday mornings provide that platform for expressing the love and concern for each others' well being. Also for expressing issues that are lingering....Its something so beautiful and such an essential life skill. They're connecting and communicating ...and asserting themselves...many of them learning along the way the various nuances and unwritten rules of conduct as well as effective communication skills.
As this school year comes to an end I am both proud and sad. Proud of their growth and accomplishments. Proud of their genuine smiles that were once few and far between, their compassion for each other, their contributions and their evidence of learning. However I'm also quote honestly sad.
Like any family, the nest grows empty at one point and that time is coming close. Its an emptiness I'm not ready for yet... But while wanting to hang on and protect them is a natural extension of family woes, I believe they're ready to fly. To fly into those other worlds for the other 17 hours of the day. The worlds of work, home, friends, and their families. I hope for them to continue to carry themselves with this confidence, pride and compassion for others that I was so fortunate to witness daily. I try not to worry they might lose their swagger in the normalized world of academics here. But all I can do is remind them of this: You are special...this Crossroads family is special and you are ready to go out now. Just remember who you are, who you were, and who you have become.
Mrs. Kambo
