Apologies to my Former and Future Students

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Part 2 in my journey of introspection (Part 1 was Parenting)

Lately, I have been stuck in a mental albatross thinking about the mistakes that I have made over the years as an educator.  For the benefits of this blog, and my sanity, I will not go into great detail or list those mistakes.

I will simply say…

I am sorry.

I am sorry to all the students who had to endure my mistakes along the way.  I apologize for not making the best decision on your behalf.  Trust me, I have always aimed to be a student-centered educator.  I believe I was (am).  But, even so, I know that far too often I chose the easy path.  I chose the path that led to individual comfort. Teacher-centered comfort.

When I started teaching, I fervently attacked the profession.  I wanted to learn as much as I could.  At the same time, I wasn’t satisfied with the way things were.  I knew from day 1, I couldn’t be a status quo teacher.  I demanded more from myself so that I could help more students. I yearned to try new strategies and sincerely prepare my students for the world before them.  With that, I consistently took risks and developed a space that fostered student risks.

As years passed, I realized that my intentions were good but I didn’t do all that I should.  I did what I thought was best but now know that I should have done more.  As a lifelong learner, I consistently grow as an educator and person. This increases your understanding of the mistakes you made.  In turn, I am fully aware new mistakes will continue.  Learn, grow, fail, learn, grow…