When a Teacher Supported My Daughter Battling Cancer

Core Concepts

Miss Anne Marie's dedication to teaching children battling illnesses highlights the importance of education in maintaining their humanity and providing them with agency during challenging times.

Abstract

In a heartfelt account, Jessica Phillips Lorenz shares her experience of Miss Anne Marie, a dedicated teacher who supported her daughter during cancer treatment. Despite the challenges of illness, Miss Anne Marie brought school to hospitalized children, emphasizing the significance of learning in maintaining normalcy and providing comfort. Her commitment to education and connection with students transcended mere academics, offering hope and empowerment during difficult times.

Stats

For 20 years, Miss Anne Marie Cicciu was part of the Hospital Schools Program under District 75 in the city’s Department of Education. The program serves about 300 students a month at city hospital sites and virtually.

Quotes

"Learning is essential to a child’s humanity." "School was there for them when they were ready." "She extended herself to her students and their families."

Key Insights Distilled From

When my daughter was being treated for cancer, her teacher worked from the hospital – Chalkbeat

by Https at www.chalkbeat.org 09-12-2023

https://www.chalkbeat.org/newyork/2023/9/12/23864799/nyc-hospital-schools-anne-marie-cicciu/

Deeper Inquiries

How can educators better support students facing life-threatening illnesses?

Educators can better support students facing life-threatening illnesses by recognizing the importance of education in maintaining a sense of normalcy and agency for these children. Providing personalized learning plans, accommodating their needs, and creating a supportive environment are crucial. Educators should also communicate effectively with healthcare providers and families to ensure continuity in the child's education during treatment.

What role does education play in providing agency to children during challenging circumstances?

Education plays a significant role in providing agency to children during challenging circumstances by empowering them with knowledge, skills, and opportunities for growth. For children facing life-threatening illnesses, engaging in educational activities can offer a sense of control and purpose amidst uncertainty. It allows them to focus on something positive, fosters resilience, and helps maintain a connection to the outside world beyond their illness.

How does Miss Anne Marie's story challenge traditional views on teaching and learning?

Miss Anne Marie's story challenges traditional views on teaching and learning by exemplifying how education transcends physical boundaries and conventional classroom settings. Her dedication to bringing school into hospital rooms shows that learning can happen anywhere, even under difficult circumstances. She emphasizes the importance of meeting students where they are at emotionally and physically while still upholding high expectations for academic growth. This approach highlights the flexibility, compassion, and creativity needed in modern education practices.