Comments on: Our Mission after Sandy Hook

By: Laurie Wasserman

Laurie Wasserman — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 16:15:12 +0000

J Car Doza,
your students are lucky to have you as their “Mom away from home” who they can vent to and who listens. Thank-you for your comments. Happy New Year to you and your students.

By: J Car Doza

J Car Doza — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 21:47:33 +0000

I love this Elizabeth. I have had such a difficult week dealing with the nightmare that occurred in Sandy Hook. My students know how I feel about them but your blog really put it into perspective for me. Thank you!

By: J Car Doza

J Car Doza — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 21:44:11 +0000

Laurie, I completely agree with you. I have the same group of kids in front of my door every morning. I eat and they chat. They come back at lunch too. I definitely feel like a Mom during these periods……listening to them vent about school, home and friends. This piece makes me feel like it’s okay to listen and be the “Mom” away from home that some children need.

By: Elizabeth Stein

Elizabeth Stein — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 19:33:31 +0000

Thanks for adding your story to the list, Laurie.
We all want to do something to support the Newtown community, and nothing we do will ever seem like enough. I hope as we keep this mission in mind, it will serve as a collaborative powerful force felt near and far. The mindset to: Love first, then teach, and always remember them–is something that can empower us all.

By: Laurie Wasserman

Laurie Wasserman — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 14:21:18 +0000

Elizabeth,
You have written such a touching piece, and given us a way to deal with our overwhelming sense of sadness this past week. The steps and ideas you have shared are so important for us to utilize as teachers; giving us a plan for 2013.

As I reflect on the past week, I think about our students who were more “clingy and needy” as one of my teaching partners observed. There are a group of young ladies that wait for me each morning, wanting to hang out in our classroom before the bell rings. They join me as I eat my breakfast. But most of the time, I’m the only one eating, as they chat, share feelings, and sometimes worries/concerns.
There are times I feel conflicted between being their teacher and feeling like their mom. Your thoughtful advice gives us the validation and guidance that it’s okay and very necessary as teachers to show our students how much we love and care about them.