“Mom, you know how Liam is always a bit wild and gets into trouble in class?” My 9-year-old daughter, Lily, put down her fork, her expression serious.
“Yes, sweetheart, but remember we shouldn’t discuss others when—”
“I know, Mom.” She sighed. “That’s not what I meant.”
“Okay, then what do you mean?” I asked.
“I just wanted to say that Mr. Smith has this amazing way with Liam. He doesn’t seem frustrated with him like some of the other teachers do. He’s really nice and always asks Liam to help him with things. And I noticed that Liam does better in Mr. Smith’s class than anywhere else. I think it’s because he’s so kind to him.”
Hearing that, I had to grab a tissue to wipe away my tears.
I understand Liam’s challenges. I know the worries that come with a child whose behaviors may seem abnormal to others, and how a mother might feel judged by teachers. I’ve been there, feeling the weight of concern for my own son, Ethan, who has faced difficulties in school.
Since preschool, Ethan has struggled with the structure of school life. As a toddler, he would come home with notes stating he “refused” to stay still during circle time or had disrupted nap times with his chatter. We emphasized the importance of listening to teachers and maintained a consistent routine at home to help him adapt. Yet, the notes kept coming.
In elementary school, the situation didn’t improve. On just the second day of kindergarten, I received a note home that left me feeling defeated and like a failure as a parent. It was clear that my son’s behavior diverged from his peers, leading me to believe I was somehow failing him.
Years later, we discovered that Ethan has ADHD. I devoured books on the subject and learned that no one had failed him—he simply has a brain that functions differently. He learns best while moving and making noise, often drifting away from assigned tasks.
Ethan’s brain is a whirlwind of creativity and ideas, but they rarely align with traditional learning methods. He can be challenging to parent, and undoubtedly, difficult to teach.
So, when a teacher truly understands my child, it fills my heart with gratitude. We have encountered many compassionate educators, but a few have gone above and beyond to show Ethan acceptance and love.
Instead of trying to mold him into a conventional student, they allowed him to explore his interests. They didn’t view his inattentiveness as a flaw to be fixed; they recognized it as a unique form of creativity and provided him outlets to express it. Instead of insisting he complete repetitive written assignments, they allowed him to dive into science magazines or sketch in a quiet corner of the classroom.
They celebrated his strengths, highlighting his unique insights and talents—like his fascination with space and his artistic abilities—in front of his classmates. This not only boosted Ethan’s confidence but also helped his peers appreciate his quirks.
This is what Lily referred to when talking about Liam. I can spot a teacher who has a special talent for connecting with “difficult” students, but it was heartening to see my daughter notice it too.
I know exactly who Mr. Smith is; Ethan often spoke highly of him. He always made Ethan feel intelligent and never suggested he was a nuisance, unlike some other teachers (often unintentionally, but still). I smiled at Lily and said, “I guess Mr. Smith just has that unique ability to see students with learning differences—”
“No, Mom,” Lily interjected. “He’s like that with everyone! He makes all the kids feel special. Everyone loves him. He makes class exciting, but he also holds everyone accountable. On the playground, he plays with us like one of the kids.”
Perhaps these remarkable teachers love all children, and that’s why they excel with those who have different learning styles. They recognize every child’s worth—worthy of an education that caters to their individual needs, worthy of attention, and worthy of love.
These teachers make a significant impact in the lives of children like Ethan, showing them they are valued in a world that often makes them feel otherwise.
Thank you to Mr. Smith and the exceptional educators in Ethan’s life who create inclusive environments where every child feels cherished. And to all the Mr. Smiths out there, we are eternally grateful.
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Summary
This article highlights the essential role that compassionate teachers play in the lives of children who may struggle in traditional learning environments. It emphasizes the importance of acceptance and understanding in education and celebrates those educators who go above and beyond to make every child feel valued.