I was reminded of something I was thankful for when showing my 10th graders the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Special the day before Thanksgiving. It was a last minute substitution for my planned lesson for the day, and it was well received by the kids. Early in the day, one of my students said, "you do kinda look like Charlie Brown, though."
I was not offended, in fact I appreciated the comparison, because it reminded me of my 8th grade English teacher. This teacher was one of the few that I have fond memories of from middle school. Two things stand out in my memory about him. First, he called me Charlie Brown. Now some might interpret that as an insult, since Chuck does not possess the traits that are often prized in our society. He is not assertive, confident, or overly optimistic. But he is loyal and hopeful and at that point in my life, I identified with him. I think I also identified with the fact that he always felt a little misunderstood by his peers. Further, my teacher used this nickname in the spirit of "you're a good man, Charlie Brown" rather than "you blockhead!" I think his use of this nickname made me feel like he understood me. I was insecure and not very outgoing. I just tried to blend into my desk and get by. Middle school was not always a good time for me, like many people, and I often felt like teachers did not really care. I was not a trouble maker and therefore I did not get much attention.
This teacher, however, did notice me. Apparently I was in the remedial English class at the start of my eighth grade year and he approached me a couple of weeks into the school year and told me that he
thought I should not be in the remedial class. He had my schedule changed, encouraged me to catch up with the work I had missed, and continued to encourage me throughout the year.
So on Thanksgiving, I was feeling thankful for those who have encouraged me at rough times in my life.
As a teacher today, if I do nothing else right, I try to be an encouraging teacher. I try to pay attention to the good kids and the quiet kids, and not just spend all hour riding the trouble makers. And I was happy to be reminded about this teacher who gave me encouragement and individual recognition during a time when I felt invisible.
