When I Failed My Students More Than They Did Me

Sometimes, I worry that my biggest failing isn't as a teacher but rather as someone who could've been more supportive and encouraging. Last week, after marking the midterms, I felt like I let them down when they showed signs of struggling. But then I realized it was me who didn't make myself available enough outside class to help them with their doubts. It's hard not to feel guilty when you think about how many times your classroom should've been a safe space for questions but instead was just another place where students felt uncertain and alone.