Teacher Talk: Past Students Can Be Your Best Resources
<p><em>By Kimberly Hammers</em></p>
<p>One way I continue to fan the flames that brought me into education is to maintain mentoring relationships with my students over the years. Whether they need someone to proofread an undergraduate paper they are working on in my field or they are reflecting on the work ethic they picked up from the time they spent in my classroom, they know they are forever one of “my kiddos.” </p>
<p>In the past few years, I was incredibly fortunate to network with past students and on several occasions we collaborated on current classroom projects. It is difficult to explain the magic of reintroducing graduates to the learning process going on in the chairs they once sat in, but I assure you it is an amazing opportunity for everyone involved. </p>
<p>We all have students who are doing really cool things in the real world. Consider harnessing that energy and passion, and those exemplary choices of past students to inspire your current ones. Like me, you will not be sorry! </p>
<p>As a high school government teacher, I now have a handful of former students actively working in politics and government. For example, one student is a staffer for a U.S. Senator, another is a political consultant, and another student works for a D.C. media outlet. The list goes on, and inviting these amazing young adults back to my classroom — even if via a virtual presence — provides a unique opportunity to share their experiences with students from their alma mater. It is powerful. </p>
<p>Current students are incredibly engaged to interact with young adults who once roamed the same hallways, learned the same content, and were once “my kiddos.” We all know guest speakers with real-life experience can mesmerize students, but there is something so special about adding experienced alumni to classroom learning. </p>
<p>Cell phones become a moot point, interest is heightened, and the student feedback is inspiringly positive. Again, the magic is there when alumni return to campus in support of the learning process. </p>
<p>These moments are powerful and I smile from ear-to-ear on these days. My current students enjoy the interactions immensely. If there is ever a win-win scenario in the classroom, this is certainly a worthy option. Both my current and my past students can be part of something bigger than themselves. </p>
<p>Helping our students develop into active, civically minded, capable citizens is an overarching goal of formal education. I think gleaming moments, such as demonstrating these lifelong relationships and this ongoing support, are impactful and meaningful for all my students. It makes for a good day for everyone involved, so give it a try! </p>
<p><em>Kimberly Hammers is an AP government and politics teacher from Chesapeake, Va. She is a Bill of Rights Institute Teacher Council member and was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records for conducting the largest in-person politics lesson.</em> </p>