I was going to show my kids that no matter what happened with their parents, parole officers and other teachers, I wouldn't give up on them. I let them know it matters to me that you come to class, it matters to me that you try, it matters to me when you succeed.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of dedication and support for students, regardless of their circumstances.
Erin Gruwell's quote reflects the unwavering commitment of an educator to inspire and support students, demonstrating that their efforts and successes hold significant value. It highlights the role of a teacher in providing a stable and encouraging environment where students feel their presence and achievement matter, despite any external challenges they may face.
In practice
In a speech at a school assembly, a teacher could share this quote to motivate students facing difficulties.
I have learned that, although I am a good teacher, I am a much better student, and I was blessed to learn valuable lessons from my students on a daily basis. They taught me the importance of teaching to a student - and not to a test.
Educated women armed with computers have defeated extremists by denying them a monopoly to define cultural identity and interpret religious texts. No extremist can say that women are inferior to men without being made a laughingstock on Al Jazeera. Islam insisted on equality between everyone.
Why is it that we understand playing the cello will require work, but we attribute writing to the magic of inspiration?
The books that help you most are those which make you think that most. The hardest way of learning is that of easy reading; but a great book that comes from a great thinker is a ship of thought, deep freighted with truth and beauty.
Free curiosity has greater power to stimulate learning than rigorous coercion. Nevertheless, the free ranging flux of curiosity is channeled by discipline under Your Law.
When I say history is a matter of life and death, I mean this: If you really don't know history, you are a victim of whatever the authorities tell you. You have no way of checking up on them. You have no way of deciding whether there is any truth in what they are saying.
I always read. You know how sharks have to keep swimming or they die? I’m like that. If I stop reading, I die.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.