Your stories: Readers respond to ‘I wish my teacher knew’ story

WATCH ABOVE: Elementary school teacher Kyle Schwartz asked her students what they wished she knew. Their answers surprised her and have gone viral. Allison Vuchnich explains.

TORONTO – A simple classroom project gained international attention last week after a Colorado teacher asked her students to finish the sentence “I wish my teacher knew.”

The assignment was that simple – finish the sentence. But what happened next wasn’t so simple. Kyle Schwartz shared some of the responses on Twitter and their sometimes profound, and other times sad messages quickly gained the attention of people worldwide.

“Some notes are heartbreaking like the first #iwishmyteacherknew tweet which read, ‘I wish my teacher knew I don’t have pencils at home to do my homework,’” Schwartz told ABC News.

We put a contact form for people on our website to give people the opportunity to give their opinion on the lesson and maybe something they wish their teacher knew.

The comments range from optimistic, to cynical, to constructive.

We’ve arranged some of the varying responses, edited slightly for clarity, below.

Fred

As a youngster in the 40’s there were no resources for students who had learning disabilities, like ADHD, dyslexia, etc.  I was (and in many cases still do) have ADHD and it was diagnosed as something else as I don’t believe the  system knew much about the problem back then, and classes were split into the “smart kid” rooms and the “dumb kids” rooms.  I rebelled and was in constant trouble until a grade 7 teacher called me into his room after school one day and sat me down for what I thought was going to be another put down.  To this day I am so very grateful to that teachers’ comment.

He said, “Fred, don’t ever try to tell me you’re dumb and a failure.  You are a smart boy that learns differently than other kids, and it’s the school system that is failing you, not you failing the school system.” 

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: <em>He said, "Fred, don't ever try to tell me you're dumb and a failure.  You are a smart boy that learns differently than other kids, and it's the school system that is failing you, not you failing the school system."  </em>

That, plus his extra efforts, on his own time, are what made it possible for me to eventually finish school, take college/university programs with certifications in several related programs over the years and be a contributing member of society rather than be a drain on society.  The man passed away a few short years ago, but I’m eternally grateful that he took the time and made the effort.

Julie

I am not a teacher or a student, and I still have about 4 months before my first born becomes a Kindergartener…I am absolutely blown away by this project.

Such a simple question, and it brings up such an intense array of answers, and all in the very solid and honest form that only a toddler can bring.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: <em>Such a simple question, and it brings up such an intense array of answers, and all in the very solid and honest form that only a toddler can bring. </em>

I would love to see this activity explored in many other schools, and see how many different responses can be created. It’d be interesting to see the variances in the children’s’ responses if they’re from different demographic regions, or different economic backgrounds, racial backgrounds.

Seka

I don’t think it is up to the teachers to pry.  There are enough  people directly related to a troubled child that are close enough to be able to step in.  Teachers getting kids to write personal journals then act like they are the only ones who know, are kidding themselves, and usually the victim of children’s attention grabbing. 

Brianna

I wish my teacher knew that I don’t understand anything in science and when I ask questions, he answers them like I’m stupid and that’s why I don’t ask many questions anymore.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: <em>I wish my teacher knew that I don't understand anything in science and when I ask questions, he answers them like I'm stupid and that's why I don't ask many questions anymore.</em>

Caitlin

I am a to-be Child and Youth worker. It is true that no matter who you teach, there most likely will be other parts to their lives you do not know, they may not want to share just like that. It is a lot of responsibility for one teacher to take on their whole class on their own.

Melissa

I wish the government understood that some teachers face this reality every day.  That we are so much more than teachers; we are social workers, nurturers, food providers, trusted people for the young ones who need us the most.  Standardized testing and curriculum take a back seat when children come to school hungry, sleep deprived, depressed or have experienced severe violence.  This is daily life for some kids, and the teachers who teach them know it all too well.