The Patient Teacher

    By Pedro Garcia

    The Patient Teacher cover image

    30 Apr, 2024

    a woman sitting at a desk in front of a group of people in a classroom with papers and a cup of coffee, academic art, a character portrait, Ayako Rokkaku, official art

    Mrs. Lawson, a seasoned teacher with years of experience, was discussing with her fellow colleagues about a common concern - teaching emergent bilingual students.

    a man sitting at a desk in front of a group of people in a classroom with papers and pens, paris school, computer graphics, Adam Manyoki, official art

    Mr. Jordan, a fairly new teacher, was particularly troubled. He confessed his difficulties in teaching such students, his words echoing the thoughts of many present.

    a woman sitting at a desk in front of a man in a classroom with other people in the background, american scene painting, a character portrait, Ayako Rokkaku, official art

    Mrs. Lawson nodded, a thoughtful expression on her face. She understood their predicament. Teaching emergent bilingual students was indeed challenging.

    a woman in a suit and glasses standing in front of a group of people in a classroom with a laptop, sots art, a character portrait, Chizuko Yoshida, official art

    She spoke calmly, 'Remember, they aren't just learning the subject matter, they're also learning the language. Understanding and patience go a long way in helping them.'

    a woman and two children are sitting at a desk with books and a book bag on it, and a woman is standing behind them, remodernism, a comic book panel, Anne Said, official art

    She narrated the story of Maria, one of her former students. 'Maria was an emergent bilingual student who initially struggled in her classes due to the language barrier.'

    two people sitting at a table in front of a book shelf with books on it and a bookcase full of books, remodernism, computer graphics, Anne Said, official art

    'With patience, understanding, and extra time for language practice, Maria not only caught up with her peers but excelled in many subjects,' Mrs. Lawson continued.

    a cartoon of a woman with glasses and a backpack in a classroom with other people in the background looking at the camera, serial art, a character portrait, Ayami Kojima, official art

    Mr. Jordan, along with the other teachers, appeared thoughtful. They had always wanted the best for their students but hadn't fully grasped the extent of the challenge.

    a woman in a classroom with other people in the background looking at the camera and smiling at the camera, sots art, a character portrait, Ayami Kojima, official art

    Mrs. Lawson concluded, 'Patience is not just about waiting. It's about how we behave while waiting. Our students are learning, growing, let's give them the time they need.'

    a man and a woman standing in front of a desk in an office setting with people in the background, serial art, concept art, Eizan Kikukawa, official art

    Mr. Jordan, moved by Mrs. Lawson's words, thanked her for the insightful discussion. The room filled with a renewed sense of commitment towards their students.

    a woman in glasses standing in front of a library full of books and bookshelves with a book case behind her, remodernism, a character portrait, Eizan Kikukawa, official art

    Mrs. Lawson smiled, 'Remember, every child is unique and learns at their own pace. Let's be the patient teachers they need.'

    two people standing at a desk in an office setting with a city view out the window behind them,, serial art, a comic book panel, Cedric Seaut (Keos Masons), official art

    The teachers left the room, each carrying a piece of wisdom from the day's conversation. They knew they had a responsibility and were ready to rise to the challenge.

    a woman in glasses standing in front of a classroom full of people in the background, with a man in a suit and tie, sots art, a character portrait, Chizuko Yoshida, official art

    Mrs. Lawson stayed back, looking at the empty room. She felt content, knowing she had made a difference, not just in the lives of her students, but also in the lives of her colleagues.