Do You Have a Favorite?

Officially, I don't have a "classroom favorite" or a favorite student that I tutor.  I have always been under the impression that with your students, you don't play favorites. ... Except, there is one student that I tutor, every Saturday, who has a special place in my heart. He's 11, and he is quite possibly the sweetest "tween" I have ever met.  

I've seen him almost every Saturday (and some Mondays) for almost 8 months. He is kind, funny, and always has a story to tell me as soon as I arrive. It usually involves his siblings. He came to the tutoring center for reading help, and it has been amazing to watch him improve. 

I know that in general, he is just a talkative kid. I am not the only teacher he converses with, and I know that I am not necessarily his "favorite" tutor. But he has become my idea of a model student. Of course, every child is unique, and none are perfect - just like adults. Still, I find myself impressed at the questions he asks about what we're reading, how well he is now able to explain his answers. 

With other kids his age, getting them engaged in their learning can be like pulling teeth. Some don't want to share anything about their lives, much less be as open as he is. Others simply need more help putting their thoughts and ideas into words. Regardless, tutoring this boy, and having the time to build rapport, was one of the factors that led me to consider finally pursuing my teaching license. 

I know that not all kids are like him, or will be like him, in my future classrooms. But I also realize that trying to reach the kids who are not as easy to get along with will be another rewarding part of my teaching career. I want to get to that point - where I can get through to those who are more difficult to connect with. Establishing a relationship with each of my students, and making sure they are recognized as individuals, has become the heart of my teaching philosophy. And it all started with one 11-year-old. 

As he sits down next to me, starting his story - "So, guess what happened yesterday?" - I know he can't possibly realize that he is the reason waking up at 8:00 on a weekend morning is easy; that he is, secretly, my "favorite." All the same, I will always be grateful for the impact he has had on my career path. 


Comments

  1. Bryan FeltmanMarch 3, 2021 at 4:13 PM

    I completely agree! It is very hard for us to not "play favorites." I know in my career as a restaurant manager for companies that mainly employee high school aged kids, I have had my favorites. Have you ever had this cause a problem with others thinking your favoritism has caused unfairness in some way?

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    Replies
    1. MelissaMarch 3, 2021 at 4:30 PM

      Hi Brian! I hope I didn't sound like this happens all the time! I see this student one-on-one; and in general I try to treat every student the same, so it doesn't cause issues.

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