Kristin Ackerman
October 12, 2012
Both of our kids started swim lessons before they could walk. But when our little boy turned three he became terrified of water. He changed from fearless in water to being paralyzed at the pool's edge. The teacher said she couldn't help him. For a family that surfs, dives, sails, and spends as much time as possible on the water, that was a big deal. As a teacher, I couldn't accept that our son was doomed from the water. That is when we found Coach.
Coach is a teacher and a swim instructor at our local pool. Coach told us that it was normal for a three year-old to regress and to be fearful. After only two weeks of instruction Coach had our son happily swimming. She has worked with him for the last few years and coached his swim team this summer.
We had the most amazing day recently. We went to the beach with some great waves. Our son, now 5, asked if he could try surfing. My husband paddled out with him and caught waves with him for hours! My daughter and I cheered for him and listened to his squeals of delight with each wave that he rode. At home the first thing that we did was call Coach to thank her for all of her hard work. She is the reason that our family is able to do something that we love together. Coach taught our son that progress is possible.
I want to be the teacher that never gives up on a student. I also want to be a teacher, and a parent, who celebrates and shares student progress. When my students pass a reading assessment I let them write a note or knock on the door of a previous teacher. I have found that my students enjoy celebrating by sharing their success with a previous teacher. Writing a note, knocking on a door, or making a phone call only takes a few minutes and it makes everyone's day.