I want more.
My goal for each student is all of my classes is that they be successful and demonstrate their learning. To help achieve this I have a “no zero” policy. It means I expect every student to complete every assignment and project, no matter how small. It isn’t easy and I’m not always successful with every student, but I want to tell you about one. He was a challenging student in a Grade 7 sewing class of 30 – off task behaviour, distracting, disengaged. Grade 7 sewing is chaotic – kids all over the place, everyone wants help at the same time, jammed sewing machines, and a list of 15 who are waiting on the board . . . Somehow, and with the help of an education assistant who was in the class for 2 or 3 other students, we got this student to complete the small amount of “book” work I require, and the first small sewing projects. I remember the day he looked at his mark for what he had done so far and realized he could get an “A”. Something happened for him, and the problem became trying to get him to put his name on the board and wait for help, instead of trying to “budge the line”. I think he was the first one to complete the major project, and he earned his “A”.
This is what I want for every student I teach. Learning, achievement, success. I want them to leave my class feeling like they “can” and I hope they can take a little of that feeling into everything they choose to do in life.
I think I’m pretty good at my job, even with the big classes and high numbers of students who need extra help. But I can do better. I can do better with smaller classes. I can do better with fewer students who need extra support. I can do better with a budget that meets the needs for equipment and supplies.
BC can do better. Fund education the way it should be. Invest in kids. Invest in our future.
I want more.
Paula Aquino
