The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Helping Students Create Their New Normal

“Hope and its twin, possibility, best describe the art of teaching.”
—Camille Banks-Lee, English teacher, New York

Wasn’t it just yesterday that we began this teaching and learning journey? And wasn’t it just yesterday that we approached each day as though we could change the world, right all the wrongs and engage all the disengaged students?

Why haven’t teachers been able to accomplish this?

I think the answer to this question is concentric in nature—it begins with teachers and spreads outward into society. We lose ourselves in the busyness and messiness permeating our lives. Sometimes we actually get in our own way when trying to help students succeed; we trip ourselves up by focusing on things that are secondary to our real purpose: educating our students.

Our daily challenge—or opportunity—should be to reflect on where we were, where we are and where we are headed. Someone once said: “Life is change. Growth is optional. Choose wisely.” I find this statement becomes truer with each passing day. Our world is changing rapidly, but for students, today is their reality, and we are the key to helping them (re)discover who they are and where and how they fit into the world.

In an ideal world, all schools would be equal and all students would have equal opportunities. The reality, however, is the opposite. Before stepping through the doors of our school, many of our students have to “overcome their normal” to be able to experience success at school. At our school, the normal is challenging and can be overwhelming for students and staff.

But with challenges come rewards. I was reminded of this one day when a student looked me square in the eye and said: “I suppose you’re going to expect this from me all the time.” The student was responding to my assessment of her writing. I smiled at her and nodded; she grinned. This was an aha moment. I’m proud of this young woman; she began the school year without a clear sense of who she was. It was only through trust that she was able to forge her learning path. She now moves freely in and out of her comfort zone and she believes in her talents and abilities. As a result of her success, she will be nominated for Aboriginal achievement awards at the school and provincial levels.

Where does this student’s story leave us? It leaves us with hope and possibility. Teachers must become the difference in their students’ lives, and it all begins by meeting them where they stand. We may not be able to choose their reality, but we can provide choice. The future of teaching has always been, and must continue to be, built on relationships—strong, healthy and supporting relationships where students feel safe.

The essence of our vocation is constant. Our schools and classroom are where students can begin to create their new normal.

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Tracy Lyons is a teacher and an assistant principal at Onoway Junior Senior High School, in Onoway, Alberta.