" Inclusion" :Reflections of a Classroom Teacher 12

Inclusion is just that, inclusion. We do not have the luxury of selecting those that we want to teach. We are charged with teaching ever child that comes through our doors each morning and that is the way it should be. It is not easy teaching those who refuse our help but their attitude will not allow us to relinquish our duties as teachers. If anything, we probably will double our efforts if we are truly effective.
Parents who do not accept their responsibilities and who offer only a minimum amount of their time and effort into the educational process are increasing at an alarming rate. As educators, we cannot allow their children to be ignored twice. We can never replace the responsible parent but we must make the effort and do what we can.
Rather than look the other way and place blame; what is it that we can do to improve the self-esteem of each of our students. It must be a terrible thing to be left emotionally alone at such a young age. We, as teachers, can- not let that happen; to even one child.
The child who perceives the world as negative and without hope must be made aware of the positive aspect of a life well lived. Our tasks as teachers is to give hope to those who are hopeless, teach those who cannot be taught, give courage to those who fear, give direction to those who are lost and love those who are not loved. There is so much more to teaching than what is presented in our books.
An effective teacher never turns his or her back to any student; no matter how hopeless the situation is perceived. Keep this thought in mind as you work with young people; we all want to be right, and we all want to be liked. What can you do to make that possible for each of your students? We must not run from this responsibility. We are, in some cases, the last hope these children have in life.