Teachers keep the bar high

Wednesday, March 4, 2009 | 3:46 p.m.

Rene Hill

As teachers, we work hard to encourage students to do their best and achieve their full potential. Sometimes students go above and beyond while others, sadly, do as little as possible.

Many of us never find out what students are doing after graduation or how well they have succeeded in life. On rare occasions, however, students contact us after a few years and let us know what they are doing. Recently, I was fortunate enough to hear from a student who let me know how he is doing in school.

In his letter, this student wrote: "I wanted to write and let you know that having you as a teacher really developed my writing skills. I really appreciate the hard work you put in on me, even though sometimes I was a pain. What you have taught me has given me the ability to achieve where I am today. I currently go to UNLV and am receiving a 3.0 GPA and soon will be transferring to the University of Oregon for pre-law."

I was touched to hear from this student. The amazing part of this is that this student was in my special education English class for his junior year and, because of his hard work, was placed in a regular English class with modifications for his senior year. This student knew he had to work harder than some of the other kids, and his work has paid off.

So many times we label kids and don't expect them to live up to their full potential.

As a special educator, I worked hard to avoid stereotyping my students. I knew deep down that they had the ability if they only tried harder.

I have one word for parents in this. If your child has been diagnosed with a learning disability, don't feel that the child will fail. I have worked with many parents, and those who still have high expectations of their students usually see them succeed.

Keeping the bar high in spite of adversity is far better than lowering expectations.

Encourage your child to do his or her best, and work with him if he needs extra work.

Children tend to go with what is expected. If they are allowed to fail, they will fail. If you believe they have what it takes to succeed, then they will excel.

The sky is the limit with students.

Rene Hill is an English teacher in the Clark County School District. She can be reached c/o The News, 2360 Corporate Circle, Third Floor, Henderson, NV 89074 or editor@hbcpub.com.