Hi I'm Caitlyn, The Sisu Teacher
What does sisu have to do with teaching?
Sisu. (Pronounced See'-Soo) According to a BBC article the Finish word Sisu, loosely translated in English refers to a persons' "...strength, perseverance in a task that for some may seem crazy to undertake, almost hopeless." I fell in love with this word while living abroad in Finland for 3 months during a cultural exchange program after graduating college. It has stayed with me ever since.
Not only has it stayed with me, it has become somewhat of my mantra. Upon coming back from my trip I started my teaching career. My 1st year of teaching as a 1st grade teacher had it's many ups and downs. I was constantly reminding myself to embrace my inner sisu. While I often felt that I was in survival mode that whole 1st year (navigating new curriculum, a new town, new coworkers all while trying to have a social life outside of school) I kept telling myself that I could, and would, make it through this experience stronger and wiser than where I had started. In fact, I did, and now I look back as I realize that sisu is what helped me get through it all.
I especially was reminded of this word as our whole world was flipped upside down March 2020. COVID 19 was its name and it would shape the lives of educators, students and parents forever. Everything I had learned and applied to teaching in a classroom GONE. Now it was all about adapting to the present situation of teaching a class of 20 1st graders online. During a pandemic. YIKES. But you know what, I again whispered to myself, "you know what to do, find that inner sisu again." So my lessons changed, my coworkers and I got better at technology, and the connections I thought I had with my first graders and their families actually grew stronger due to the online learning going on. Sisu had once again reminded me that even though things got tough (and I mean tears of frustration almost every other day tough), everything was going to be ok. Because just like my 1st year of teaching, I was capable of persisting through difficult situations.
This brings me to why I decided to start this tutoring business and give it the name The Sisu Teacher. Students and families of struggling students may see working on academic skills in reading, writing, and math as daunting or hopeless. However, I'm here to say, take a breath, let's find out what exactly is the roadblock? What is the main reason behind the homework tears or the lack of interest in school? Is it phonemic awareness? Number sense? Grammar rules? Algebra?
I'm letting you know right now I'm here to help. I'm here to work with you and your students to find your inner sisu and overcome the academic obstacle that is interfering with their academic success. My goal in each session is to make learning fun, celebrate the accomplishments (even if they are small) and help students and families learn to love learning again.
Are you ready to find your inner sisu with me?