I’m a proud mother to 107 children, though only one of them came to life through me. I have my delightful 3-year-old daughter, Mia, and my wonderful 9-year-old stepdaughter, Sophie, alongside 105 spirited 12-year-old students whom I cherish as if they were my own.
Spending more time with my students than their parents do is inherently part of the job. Like any dedicated educator, I connect with these children during school hours, which often leaves me grappling with the dual guilt of being both a teacher and a mom. Every student who enters my classroom becomes part of my extended family, even if they don’t come home with me. Although I sometimes wish I could take some of them home, I know that many of them have responsibilities at home, often acting as caregivers for younger siblings or relatives after school.
This reality is heartbreaking but common; many parents work multiple jobs just to keep food on the table, often sacrificing family unity in the process. Some of my students have traveled from other countries seeking better opportunities and safer environments; some have even been sent to live with relatives in the U.S. for the same reasons. It’s crucial to recognize that being economically disadvantaged is not a crime.
As I navigate my role, my heart longs to be a nurturing figure for all 107 kids. I run an after-school club that meets for just 45 minutes each week, and even the more challenging students look forward to that time. “Miss, can we stay a bit longer?” they often ask. How can I deny them those precious minutes of safety and care? Yet, those minutes come at a cost, pushing back my own responsibilities at home, including caring for my daughters and my husband, who also deserves my attention.
Despite the challenges, I wouldn’t trade my career for anything. The most rewarding moments come when I help students overcome their negative reputations. I believe deeply in the idea that the children who need love the most often express it in the most unloving ways. I strive to know each child individually; I keep tissues and Band-Aids handy and offer a listening ear or a comforting hug whenever needed.
Being a mom and a teacher is a profound responsibility that I take to heart. Yet, there are times when I question if my own children need me more than my students do. Some of my students experience home lives filled with instability, lacking the security that my daughters enjoy. It truly takes a village to raise children, and I’m grateful to the families who allow me to be part of this journey.
To the parents of my extraordinary students, thank you for trusting me with your children’s education and well-being.
~ “Miss”
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Summary:
This heartfelt reflection captures the dual role of a teacher and mother. The author shares her experiences as a dedicated mom to her children and her students, highlighting the challenges of balancing these responsibilities while emphasizing the importance of community support in nurturing children.