A Learning Experience...

[carl childers]

I am a middle school principal. Yesterday, I called a student up to my office, not because he was in trouble but to brag on him. You see, he is repeating a grade and has been in trouble with me many times during his school career. However, this year he is a changed person. Doing a great job, good grades, respectful. I called the person he is currently living with to brag on him and they were so thankful for a positive call. After the call, it was like a floodgate opened with him. He talked to me at least 30 straight minutes about what caused him to change, the hardships he had experienced over the past several years (which were shocking to me), and what he is trying to do for his little brothers. I now know why he has acted up in the past - doesn't excuse it, but I understand it. I promised him I would do everything I could to help him in his new quest for success in life.

Lord God, please help me to remember the position I am in and help me to be a conduit for change in students who need it. Help me to remember that "troubled" kids are like that for a reason most of the time, and give me the patience and understanding to be a father-type figure for those who need me. I feel so undeserving of the position I am placed in - please give me the strength to do the best I can...

[SUPERCOACH]

Wow!  Fantastic story.  I put it on the front page.

[2Stater]

Outstanding, CC!!! 

And I disagree. It looks to me like you are very deserving of the position you hold!

[Jamos]

I am a middle school principal. Yesterday, I called a student up to my office, not because he was in trouble but to brag on him. You see, he is repeating a grade and has been in trouble with me many times during his school career. However, this year he is a changed person. Doing a great job, good grades, respectful. I called the person he is currently living with to brag on him and they were so thankful for a positive call. After the call, it was like a floodgate opened with him. He talked to me at least 30 straight minutes about what caused him to change, the hardships he had experienced over the past several years (which were shocking to me), and what he is trying to do for his little brothers. I now know why he has acted up in the past - doesn't excuse it, but I understand it. I promised him I would do everything I could to help him in his new quest for success in life.

Lord God, please help me to remember the position I am in and help me to be a conduit for change in students who need it. Help me to remember that "troubled" kids are like that for a reason most of the time, and give me the patience and understanding to be a father-type figure for those who need me. I feel so undeserving of the position I am placed in - please give me the strength to do the best I can...

Our world needs more people like you. Thanks for sharing because it has made my day a much better one.

[KoKoPuf]

Thanks for posting, kids need encouragement and too many times no one is around to give it.

[pmull]

Thanks for the job you do Carl. School administration and teaching is an unappreciated profession. It takes a special person to do your job. Based on your post it is obvious you do your job well.

My wife is a Special Ed teacher and my youngest daughter is in her second year at UNA pursuing an Elementary Education degree.

[N.AL-Tider]

Carl,  Thanks for posting that.  It is a real nice "pick-me-up" to read about an individual that makes such a positive impact on the life of a child.  I have had praise piled upon me and my wife for the children that we took in as foster/adoptive parents.  I really am very uncomfortable recieving praise for simply loving children because I honestly feel that I am just being a dad to a child that needs one.  Nothing more than most other dads out there and if every dad did what he is supposed to then I wouldn't have but one.  You, on the other hand, chose to be a mentor/teacher/father figure to many, many children in a system where you can't always know the "why's" and "why nots" and are often bombarded with criticism from other kids and parents.  Oh, and you are also doing this in a time where there seems to be a teacher admitting to inappropriate conduct with students almost every week.  Congratulations for what you have done for this one in particular.  I'm pretty sure he isn't the first or the last.  You probably won't even know the impact you have on many but they are just as good...

Keep up the great work...

[XBAMA]

teachers are special people . i have always said that . carl just proved it !

[ricky023]

I am a middle school principal. Yesterday, I called a student up to my office, not because he was in trouble but to brag on him. You see, he is repeating a grade and has been in trouble with me many times during his school career. However, this year he is a changed person. Doing a great job, good grades, respectful. I called the person he is currently living with to brag on him and they were so thankful for a positive call. After the call, it was like a floodgate opened with him. He talked to me at least 30 straight minutes about what caused him to change, the hardships he had experienced over the past several years (which were shocking to me), and what he is trying to do for his little brothers. I now know why he has acted up in the past - doesn't excuse it, but I understand it. I promised him I would do everything I could to help him in his new quest for success in life.

Lord God, please help me to remember the position I am in and help me to be a conduit for change in students who need it. Help me to remember that "troubled" kids are like that for a reason most of the time, and give me the patience and understanding to be a father-type figure for those who need me. I feel so undeserving of the position I am placed in - please give me the strength to do the best I can...

Our world needs more people like you. Thanks for sharing because it has made my day a much better one.

Hey Carl, just think what an example our teachers set before our children. You would pass with flying colors. I thank you for your honesty with this story. It just feels so good to know what God has given you to do because you are just the one to accomplish this mission. Gods' strengthen you daily! RTR!

[Chechem]

Middle-school principal?  Wow.  You, sir, are earning your crown.  Bless you.

 

[cbbama99]

What a story! Thanks to you and what you do on a daily basis Carl. We need more people like you in positions in our schools to help our young people. 

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