I teach in a Catholic school, and I've recently realized I'm there for a reason

[LeapsForCauchy]

I’ll make a longer story short. I teach math in a Catholic high school. I had a student last year who I taught and did quite well in my class. He tested into my Honors section and I have him again this year. I’ve always thought that he was in my class for a reason, and I could never quite place it. A few weeks ago, during a test, I began to understand the reason. As a younger child, he struggled with academics and a few other learning obstacles. He knows the answers, but often has trouble getting them out. I seem to have a knack for asking him questions to get him to find the answers. I truly believe God put him in my class for a reason.

I had this nagging feeling, that I can only attest to the Holy Spirit, for several days. I finally decided I was supposed to tell him how I felt. I was nervous about how the conversation would go, but had a feeling he would be receptive. We finally had a common lunch period last week and I explained how I was feeling. He immediately, and unprovokedly, opened up about his past academic struggles and how he always felt behind in math until he had my class last year and I helped him because I was a good teacher. It was a nice conversation and warmed my heart a bit knowing that he obviously had maybe felt a connection also.

The next day I told him I enjoyed our conversation, he agreed and thanked me again. I think it made the connection stronger, but I’m still not sure why. Over the weekend I started to get that “Holy Spirit” feeling again. I feel like I’m supposed to tell him something, but I don’t know what. In the meantime, the feeling comes and goes, but he is on my mind often.

Today I learned that another student I had a few years ago, who I also had a similar experience with, knows him. Small world, or God working in mysterious ways???

Any advice on how I can be there for him, if there is something maybe he wants to talk about, and that’s why I still have this feeling?? He’s a great kid and want to help as best I can!

 

[Xanthippe_Voorhees]

This day in age no adult can be too careful when it comes to children.

Wait until you know what you’re supposed to say.

 

[RandomAlias]

Yeah, review your school’s policy concerning deep personal conversations with students.

 

[tweedlealice]

Salutations,
It is sad that it has to be this way. You could ask while kids are mulling around,”Is there anything bothering you?” Or ask if you are allowed to exchange notes? I’m in a circumstance w family, where I can do nothing. I’m not good w TRUST! God answers prayer but sometimes it’s LATER or NO.
Of course, we’re on a painful family split. I want healing now. But, waiting, though frustrating, may bring salvation to all parties.
So, all you can do is pray and Trust. God will reveal it.
In Christ’s love
Tweedlealice

 

[1Lord1Faith]

Have you ever made a general announcement to your classes regarding ‘your door always being open’. That could be a way to keep dialogue open with singling out the student.

 

[1ke]

Any advice on how I can be there for him, if there is something maybe he wants to talk about, and that’s why I still have this feeling?? He’s a great kid and want to help as best I can!

Be a great math teacher. Don’t try to be anything else. You are not his friend. You are not his counselor. You are not his parent.

When I taught school, also high school math but public school, I had a kid who came to my class after school every day for tutoring (but he really didn’t need it). He just didn’t have anywhere else to go. We did not talk about personal things. He could sit in my classroom and do his homework. No problem. I didn’t try to befriend him, or talk about his personal business. I was kind, but professional.

I am a female and he was a male student. I would NEVER be alone with a student or try to befriend them in such a way as what you seem to be describing-- telling them God put them in my classroom for a reason and the holy spirit is urging me to tell him things and that we have a connection.

I think you are building this up in your mind. No, it’s not mysterious that two kids who were in your class know each other. You need to get a grip on yourself.

 

[Trishie]

There are some very wonderful people in this forum.
I read through all that was said.
LeapsForCauchy, well, the Holy Spirit certainly guided you to these good and wise people.