Sharing is caring!

Having spent many years as an educator, I can attest that nobody pursues teaching for the paycheck. Instead, teachers get motivation when students develop academically and socially, finding rewards in helping them progress to something better. A teachers’ forum recently described their happiest student success stories.

1. An American Kid in China

Entering my first grade-two class in a Chinese international school, I received a warning about an American student prone to behavioral issues (let’s call him Caleb). Caleb gave me a difficult time in my first month, testing my patience with his sudden outbursts and attention-grabbing theatrics. However, once I identified his frustrations, helped him address them head-on, and worked on a reaction program for expected situations, Caleb finally won his first student-of-the-week award for his calmness and determination.

2. Blue Collar Defiance

In a scenario reminiscent of a Hollywood movie trope, an educator joined a rural, low-income state school, inheriting a class whose previous teacher had low standards for their behavior. Consequently, illicit substances or weapons were normal before (and during) her arrival. She says her students were transformed after a year of changing the system with tougher sanctions and stable learning conditions. The educator is proud to reveal that most class members went to college and vocational school and got into good careers.

3. Random Student Messages

Modern teaching comes with a minefield of technological obstacles to overcome, whether through teaching or controlling student behavior. However, one benefit is that graduated students can message their teacher to thank them, which happened to one educator when they received thank-you messages from a former student who had launched a career in performing arts.

4. A Kid Finds His Groove

One account details a tearaway student who most of his peers considered likely to flunk out due to his low motivation and subsequent apathy. Remarkably, it took one woodwork class to encourage him, and he became obsessed. Moreover, he graduated and went on to become a high-paid construction specialist.

Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive lifestyle content.

5. A School District Blunder Is Forgotten

When a special education teacher inherited a young man from a neighboring school district, he was appalled to discover they had classified him as severely disabled. Upon diagnostic testing, it turned out his only issue was mild dyslexia. Fast forward to his senior year, after great development, the new graduate won a scholarship for a high-skill trade.

6. Pupil Defies Substance Addiction

When a senior was struggling with a banned substance problem, he was nearing rock bottom. His teacher devoted extra time to pastoral care, telling the kid to visit the class 30 minutes before each day, where they would chat about life, finding common ground and trust. Eventually, the student kicked his habit, got a part-time job, and paid himself through university.

7.  Helping Vietnamese Students

I taught for four years in a Vietnamese-American school that had a pro-bono quota for local, underprivileged students. My debut year involved helping some first-graders, most of whom were the first family members to receive an education, integrate into an English-speaking classroom. After morning English lessons, I would sit with them through classes to assist their understanding. Finally, after one semester, they felt at home in the class. At this moment, they went into language immersion overdrive, and by the end of the school year, they had caught most of their classmates up.

Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive lifestyle content.

8. The Power of Books

Libraries are the beating heart of any school, so the thought that students might one day not retreat to a corner of their reading haven with a new paper companion is alarming. One bright story revolves around a formerly home-schooled little third-grade girl who entered a class unable to read, write, or make phonic sounds. With a determined group of teachers — and an accommodating library staff — behind her, the youngster devoured all the extra reading books and work they gave her. Now, she wants to be a doctor.

9. A Chinese Superstar Student

When we taught in China, my wife had a national celebrity child star join her fifth-grade class. However, this kid was also an acrobatic martial arts phenomenon, appearing in Chinese blockbusters, and was often on film shoots in remote parts of the country. His skills were mindblowing — in the school performance, a set piece involved him completing a forward-running backflip through a giant hoop. It was mesmerizing. I have no idea what the kid is doing now; I imagine he is still famous in China.

10. Tears From Teaching Heaven

The next anecdote comes from a son’s recollection of his educator father, who spent several years returning home exhausted by one particular troubled high-school boy. In his dad’s opinion, the troubled kid would not amount to much, though he tried his best with him. Several years later, the now grown-up delinquent revisited his school in search of his dedicated teacher. Much to the father’s glee, his previous agitator had changed his ways, become a Marine, and wanted to show his former guide appreciation for never giving up on him. The father tears up whenever he recalls the memory.

Source: Reddit.

23 Friendliest Animals on the Planet

You want to hug them, cuddle them, throw them a ball, and watch them playfully chase after it. What are they? They’re the world’s friendliest animals, of course! From dogs to dolphins to horses, there are more than a few creatures out there that seem like they’re just begging to be your BFF.

Get ready for some serious awe moments and adorable photos of animals that can’t wait to shower you with wet kisses and warm nuzzles. Whether on land, in water, or the air, these animals will make fast friends with any human lucky enough to gain their trust and affection. Keep reading to meet the snuggliest, sweetest, most downright lovable animals that roam the earth!

23 Friendliest Animals on the Planet

 

 

15 Cover Songs That Are Better Than the Original

Sometimes a cover of a song ends up doing far better than the original. Some covers are so good that we didn’t even realize the cover version wasn’t actually the original. Here is a list of songs people say are better than the original.

15 Cover Songs That Are Better Than the Original