Dear Readers,

This March, as we're celebrating the amazing teachers who shape our futures, I want to share a story that holds a special place in my heart. Aurelia is not just any third-grade teacher; she's a dear friend of mine, one I've known since we were children. Aurelia and I were schoolmates in elementary and middle school, experiences that bonded us long before we chose our professional paths. Despite her initial uncertainty, Aurelia embraced her role as a teacher with open arms, demonstrating the profound impact a dedicated teacher can have. She does more than just teach; she creates a place where students feel understood, gets them excited to learn, and helps them face any problem with strong support. Being a teacher is not easy, now more than ever, because the world is constantly changing, demanding adaptability and resilience. Reflecting on our shared school days, it's clear to me that teachers like Aurelia transform learning into an exciting journey, turning the classroom into a realm of endless possibilities. Let's dive into her story and honor the incredible impact of teachers who go above and beyond to make a difference in our lives.

Teaching: A Day-to-Day Adventure and Challenge

The Unexpected Beginning

My journey into teaching began years ago, in my twenties, fresh out of high school and uncertain about which direction to take. A phone call from the Education Office of a nearby small town unexpectedly set me on my path, offering a three-day substitute teaching role in a Kindergarten in Caneva by 9:00 am the next day or risk being crossed off the list.

The dilemma was whether to accept or decline. At that time, I was working as a babysitter in Sacile. I remember it was pouring rain, and I had driven to work in my father's car, alongside my brother who was in his senior year of high school and had chosen to skip school that day! Stranded without a car, in the pouring rain, I set out to a friend of my mom's house to ask for a ride and managed to arrive just in time, soaked and panting, while a hundred curious and amused little eyes watched my less-than-immaculate arrival. One bold little boy, as tall as my leg, caught my attention and innocently remarked, "My mom always tells me to take an umbrella when it rains, you know?"

A Path of Growth and Learning

This initial and brief foray into the educational world led to more substitute positions, first short and then progressively longer, in the most varied and sometimes remote locations. Different environments: small mountain and hill schools, larger and more complex institutions on the plains, village and city schools, schools for children with disabilities, kindergartens, and primary schools. And then, countless children, each one unique. These were unforgettable, enriching, and sometimes challenging experiences, but all were essential in realizing that teaching was my destined path. Throughout these ten years of substitution, two people consistently encouraged me: my primary school teacher and my mother, my pillar of strength and support, who always said, "Persistence pays off."

The Classroom: A World of Its Own

In my teaching journey, I've encountered dedicated educators eager to share their skills and experiences. They have mentored and supported me, providing valuable advice. I've navigated both "simple" and complex situations, met welcoming and challenging students, and faced doubts about my own abilities. Every encounter has been a learning experience, treasured in my teacher's life book because the school feels like my second home. I've completed two three-year specialization courses, attended numerous professional development sessions, passed and won two competitive exams, and finally, in 2003, secured a permanent position in Padua as a religion teacher, and the following year, moved to a general teaching post in Trieste. My destination? A primary school in the province of Pordenone, leading a first-grade full-time class of 25 students, 19 boys and 6 girls, teaching Mathematics, Science, Geography, Technology, and Physical Education.

My colleague Enrica and I, randomly paired young teachers, embarked on numerous adventures, facing both highs and lows but always remaining united by our passion for teaching and shared values. Despite our differing personalities—her calm and thoughtful, me energetic and dynamic—we shared classroom rules and educational activities, complementing and balancing each other perfectly. Collaboration, shared objectives, and consistent approaches are, I believe, the strengths of our profession, fostering a respectful and congenial atmosphere within the class, much like a family.

The classroom itself plays a vital role in creating a welcoming and reassuring educational environment: seasonally decorated windows, walls adorned with posters of past experiences (field trips, guest speakers, children's birthdays), strategically placed learning aids, and lots of children's artwork and crafts.

Building Community Beyond the Classroom

Our school is distinguished by numerous projects, some led by external experts and others by the teachers themselves, underscoring our belief that education should extend beyond the classroom. Thus, we engage local experts in fencing, soccer, volleyball, and rugby, among others, and offer lessons in Motor Literacy, Educational Yoga, and Psychomotor Education, all contributing to fostering teamwork, handling wins and losses gracefully, self-awareness, inclusivity, and a welcoming spirit.

 Particularly dear to Enrica and me is the "Mother Tongue Week," during which we invite parents of non-Italian-speaking children to share their countries' cultures, stories, customs, and dances. This week exposes our students to a variety of languages: Spanish, German, Albanian, Russian, Amharic, Chinese, and more, offering them the unique experience of seeing their parents in the role of educators. This initiative fosters a collaborative and trustful relationship between children, teachers, and parents, crucial in our profession.

Our collaboration with Opera Domani and the Verdi Theater of Pordenone is another enriching experience our school has participated in for several years. After thorough preparation, including story and character analysis and learning parts of operatic songs, we attend a live opera performance, marveling at the children's wide-eyed wonder.

Finally, the excursions, both near and far, to libraries, educational farms, historical sites, and more, highlight the invaluable educational benefits of field trips. They not only excite and engage the children but also significantly enrich their learning experience.

Though years have passed since that rainy first day, the essence of teaching, for me, remains a complex, demanding, and endlessly fascinating profession. It demands constant innovation and adaptation, recognizing that what worked in the past might not always apply. The ability to "change course," employ varied methodologies, and sometimes, simply enjoy being childlike with the students, is not just beneficial but joyful.

 Aurelia, 3 March 2024

Aurelia's story shows us how important teachers are in our lives. They do so much more than teach; they inspire, support, and help us grow. Now, I want to hear from you:

Have you ever had a teacher who really inspired you? Maybe someone who helped you love a subject you used to find boring, or a teacher who was there for you when you needed it?

Go ahead and share your stories with us on the Share Your Story page. It's time to give a shoutout to those amazing teachers in our lives. Plus, we'll highlight your tributes in our final newsletter this month, showing the powerful impact teachers like Aurelia have across the fabric of our lives.

Warmest regards, 

S.A. Sterling