Just call me Mom

I'm new to blogging. To be honest, this is my first blog. Several of my students told me I should write a blog, and since teenagers know everything, I figured I should follow their advice. I guess I will start with a little about me. I'm a Mom. I let that simple, amazing, distinct word define much of who I am. I will never forget the first time one of my own, biological children called me Mom... I never thought a single word could sound so wonderful. Before I gave birth to my own children, I played the role of a Mom to many. I can't say that I remember the first student who called me Mom, but it's been an honor to be considered in that role. You see, I'm also a teacher. I teach high school students in a school that, to be blunt, does not have some of the best students. The majority of our students live at, or below poverty level. Many of these kids come from less than ideal home situations, and many of them have parents that are young, absent, disinterested... the negative adjectives are endless. When they step into my class, they are my own. I take my responsibility to educate them seriously. I am required to educate them on specific subject matter, but I feel a need to educate them about life skills as well. I also feel the need to protect them. Some of my students go home to nightmare situations. I wish I could protect them 24/7 from the issues they face, but for one hour a day, I protect them, nurture them, and teach them.  Most think of teachers as someone who sits behind a desk and grades papers. I feel bad for those people because it means they never had a good teacher. I've been cried on, yelled at, been given words of gratitude, and hate. I've been a mediator, a referee, held hair while they've puked, and held hands while they faced their fears. I've handed out diplomas, administered detentions, and witnessed arrests. Most stay at home Mom's have an idea of what I do on a daily basis. Being a Mom is the hardest job anyone will ever have. Now try being a Mom to over 100 teenagers. Then try going home and being a Mom to a 2 & 4 year old. This is my life, and I love every minute of it.