I work with students who have behavior and emotional disabilities. I love my job and wouldn't trade it. I get to make connections with these kids who a lot of people have already given up on. And these kids have such personalities; some seem to blossom under the attention.
I try to listen to what they like, what they don't like, and just have a conversation with them about mundane things. It often surprises them that I remember what they tell me. For example, I bring in a birthday treat for each kid: donuts to share with the whole class and a special food treat just for them, based on what they have told me or that I have observed. They also get a hand drawn card with a message from me and my fellow teacher written inside. The kids who are new to my room, are often shocked to see a treat that is just for them and it is based off of stuff that I know about them.
What hurts is when one of my kids (yes, they are my kids even though I did not birth them) has given up on his education, for one reason or another. I keep trying to help them realize the importance of it and how having a high school diploma can help them in the future, but sometimes it doesn't make a difference. I do not what to give up on them but I have to come to that point where I can't continue to pour water on a dead plant, thinking that it will grow again. I have three students who have pretty much check out of their education and it hurts to see.
I still love and care about those kids and I let them know that, but I have to remind myself that there are other kids in my room that haven't checked out of their education. I don't want to give up on them, but in the end, I have no choice. Those three have made their choice and there is nothing that I can do to change it.
