Lessons from a Rice Pot - By: Dr. Megan Breaux

Lessons from a Rice Pot

By: Dr. Megan Breaux

I was on a quest to save them all–

Armed with degrees

And the knowledge that came with them,

Pedagogical theories in my back pocket.

And a heart full of idealism–

I would be their hero

Until I wasn’t

My mentor's voice echoed–

Her rules of compliance were my guide,

“Consistency is key,” she would say–

But I knew good teachers’ classrooms were quiet,

So I hid behind a hero’s mask,

As frustration mounted,

Mirror methods falling flat as my confidence

So I stepped away

A different path taught me to bend–

I tested new waters,

By focusing on my own child–

New perspectives planted patience

And helped me to grow,

But the classroom continued to call,

As impostor thoughts fought to drown it

“You are not a teacher”

But the call grew louder,

As writing and reflection

Uncovered pieces

Of my teaching soul

“Are parents not teachers?” I replied.

I taught my toddler daily–

Fostered autonomy and voice

Through trust, agency, and choice–

Why couldn’t I do that for my students?

The revelation came as a pot of rice

Slipped from my toddler’s tiny fingers

In the crash, it covered the floor with opportunity–

For fine motor skill development–

As she picked up each grain without prompting,

My heart sang, learning can be loud, messy, and free–

What worked for my mentor, failed because it wasn’t me

Back in the classroom,

A changed frame of mind was my guide–

I shoved my manager mask in the desk

And embraced my facilitator skin

As I became the guide on their quests

The democratic process opened the door,

And students thrived when given the reigns–

Active agents in daily routines,

Each student had a role in our classroom

And in their own quest learning

Goal setters

Advocates

Designers

Readers

Writers

Supporters

Thinkers

Heroes with voices that mattered

Thus, I stand firm at my place before the Threshold

Since my students save themselves

On this loud, messy, free journey–

With my guidance.