Summary
Highlights
Adam Saenz recounts his disastrous first day as a substitute teacher in an inner-city third-grade classroom in 2008. His attempts at behavior management failed spectacularly, leaving him overwhelmed and questioning his abilities. This experience, despite being a 'train wreck,' became a pivotal moment, shifting his perspective on the teaching profession.
As a school psychologist, Saenz consulted with teachers, but his substitute teaching experience gave him a profound realization: it's impossible to truly understand the demands of teaching without being in the classroom. This insight led to immense admiration for educators and ignited his curiosity about what makes a good, and sustainable, teacher.
Saenz introduces his first case study: Lou, a sixth-grade boy with a challenging background – low socioeconomic status, uninvolved parent, history with the legal system, undiagnosed depression, and substance abuse. Saenz reveals that 'Lou' was himself, painting a vivid picture of his troubled youth in the Lower Rio Grande Valley.
Saenz recalls his mother's anguished question, 'What are you doing here?' when she picked him up from juvenile detention. He initially saw it as a pointless query, firmly believing his identity was that of a problematic youth. Eventually, his mother relinquished guardianship, and he moved to Katy, Texas.
After graduating high school and falling into depression and drug use, Saenz stumbled upon two forgotten letters from his English teacher, Joel Exley, and creative writing teacher, Polly McRoberts. These letters spoke of his intelligence, talent, good heart, and insight, challenging his self-perception and planting seeds of hope.
Haunted by the teachers' words, Saenz decided to test their belief in him by enrolling in college. His success in English and subsequent courses led him to believe his teachers were right. He consciously shed the identity of 'Lou' and embraced 'Adam,' embarking on therapy and pursuing advanced degrees, eventually securing prestigious fellowships at Brown and Yale.
Saenz introduces his second case study: Lauren, a young girl in protective services. He reveals that Lauren is his adopted daughter, highlighting how he, inspired by the teachers who saw his worth, brought her into his life. He shares a heartwarming conversation with Lauren where he expressed his unwavering commitment to protecting and guiding her, emphasizing her inherent value.
Saenz concludes by emphasizing the generational power of educators. The connections teachers make with students can profoundly change their lives. He directly answers his mother's question, stating that he is Dr. Adam Lewis Saenz, a man whose life was forever impacted by the power of teachers like Mrs. McRoberts and Mrs. Exley, who both had elementary schools named in their honor.