I've thought it many times when reading others posts: But I don't have those kids.

True.  I have my kids and you have your's, but my 1st period and 3rd period aren't the same kids either.

When I write about my kids, I write about them the way I see them, the way I believe they can be.

I see them as learners with mostly good hearts, who want to be heard, be understood, be loved, do better, be smart, graduate, and make it on their own.  I also see them with challenging backgrounds, too many responsibilities,  and no breakfast.  Students who are frustrated and intimidated by books and words and schools.  Young adults who want to be respected, taught, acknowledged, heard.

Sometimes I write about their frustrations, their learning curves, their in-class challenges.

I rarely share that some are felons, gang members, drug dealers.

These are the same kids in the stories I share that are working, kind, empathetic.  This is how I see them.  And in return this is the behavior that I get.

Of course, there are exceptions.  The ones who keep their distance, try every last nerve, and refuse to learn at all.  And there are exceptions now and then with the others, but we usually talk it out and work it out without severe behaviors or consequences.

So, do I understand the struggle to teach the student

who has spent every night for the last two weeks at a different location?

who has a scary reputation that others are afraid of?

who has a felony charge involving a gun?

who was molested and still has nightmares?

who is afraid of her stepdad for multiple reasons?

who may actually be living on the streets?

Yes, I do.  I have them.  I teach them.  I care about them.