Teachers: do you ever miss former students terribly?

Question

I left a school in another state where I taught high school biology to mostly 10th graders. There were a few students I had that came from foster care, or similar rough backgrounds and I am still worried about them, and concerned because no one seemed to love them. Sometimes I worry to the point of tears. Am I just a huge emotional over reactor? I keep in touch with a few of them on myspace (they initiated contact) but I seldom hear from them. It has been over a year since I moved away.

Answer 1

I think most teachers live from the heart and I was an elem teacher and I was with them more hours than their parents each day, they were almost like my own kids @!!

Answer 2

Fortunately or not so fortunately, when you enter the teaching profession the first trait you need ...and the students will know very quickly...is a genuine concern for them as individuals. Without caring for the students, you have little satisfaction in your chosen career.

Getting close to them? Yes, of course you will get to know them and like them and enjoy being around them.. It happens to all dedicated teachers. Some we even miss. There must be a difference though. As the teacher you are a role model whether you want to be or not. You are their parents (the law demands that of you) whether you want to be or not. You have to have many skills. You will be held to a high standard. As you know it is difficult.

Do we worry for them and about them? Of course we do, sometimes more than their own parents and family. The neglected, abused, thrown-away, unsupervised and forgotten children of unloving, uncaring and irresponsible parents are why teachers do what they do.

I have suggested to many people "Teaching is parenting and parenting is the toughest (but most rewarding) job in the world. Not often is it easy but often it can be enjoyable. If you open your heart someone will probably walk on it too; but you cannot be an effective teacher if you only teach from the head."

If you are called to be a teacher and you teach for very much time, yes, you will miss some of them when you see them leave. It is so rewarding, though, when months or even years later someone recognizes and remembers you and thanks you for being in their lives.

And you touch the future.

Answer 3

There are students I will never forget for one reason or another. Sometimes something random will remind me of a student I haven't thought about in years. However, I don't recall any highly emotional attachments to any of them. To me it's the nature of the job. Student move on, and so must their teachers.

Answer 4

There are students that will touch your heart and you will never forget them. Sometimes you will find yourself wondering what those students are up and recall the funny things they did. I think that is great.