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I wrote this poem at a time in my life when colleagues and administrators were on a "witch hunt". They were looking for someone who danced to a multicultural song. and walked to the beat of a different drum. That "someone" was me. I was administratively transferred (after I warned the District I was working for that I felt we needed more security on campus at the continuation high school I was teaching at.) I issued this warning at a School Board meeting six days before Columbine occurred in Littleton. Colorado. This year (five years later)...the day before Thanksgiving...a public school student brought a machete and a seared knife to his school and lashed out to other students. The violence continues...and it seems that those of us who see it coming...are just brushed by the wayside.

I was placed in a non-teaching position...kind of a holding tank...for several months...before I was allowed to teach again. During that time a new English learner Adult School student needed help writing an essay in order to pass his high school/adult school diploma requirements. I encouraged that student...told him I knew that if he tried he would succeed...and he did. I attended his graduation a year later and he invited me and his other ESL teacher out for a Chinese celebration dinner. He knew which of his teachers were the ones who cared the most.

This poem "The Teacher" is dedicated to this student Ping...and to all teachers who have been pushed by the wayside.

Because of this experience...and because of Ping...I went onto pursue National Board certification in English as a New Language. On November 22, 2002 I achieved my goal...the highest certification that a public teacher can hold. I have the deepest gratitude for all of the people who encouraged me... and to my former principal Mr. Jon Sweat...for telling his staff at a faculty meeting.. about this opportunity.

THE TEACHER


One who chisels knowledge from the cold hard rock of truth -
Then shares it with her students who strive hard to understand.
Still an unsung hero in a world where little matters...
She sits alone at her days end
And wonders if anything she does...did!
"Of course it does"... "I do!" she said. "You know you have that special gift!"

But somehow when her tired toes do touch the raw cement.
She knows the ultimate "true test" is what becomes of each of them...
Her students...yes her "showcase"...her "ticket to success".

Maybe all that matters is the twinkling in their eyes
That tells her someone understands that little "seed of truth"...
That this good teacher fertilized with hard-core dedication.

To heck with those who cannot see... "Youre blind!" she said out loud!
"Time will be the referee - the judge of who did well."

She rounds the corner...lights the lamp...and tucks herself to bed.
I am, she says, and always will be...what God chose for me."

The teacher..yes...THE TEACHER! "You cant take that away from me!"

Written on 6-2-99-approximately two weeks after I began my position as an Adult School teacher".
Copyright Sindi Diane Wasserman, MS. NBCT