Student Spectrums

In her tribute titled, ‘The Calm Amid the Chaos: Khala Janet’s Love For History’, Fatima Ahmad of 10th-grade talks about her history teacher Janet Rozenberg. Janet Rozenberg teaches middle and high school history at Ilm Academy.

Some teachers storm into every classroom with energy, whose presence crackles like electricity, who demand attention with every word. Firm and loud, they stand wanting everyone’s undivided attention. Despite being unrealistic, they set deadlines and ensure their students go through heaven and hell to finish them on time.  Then there are those like Khala Janet,  those who are kind and collected, simple in attire,  who enter quietly, lay down their books, and greet their students in a calm voice. An honorary Pakistani who greatly values her green card, despite being “whiter than a slice of white bread,” Khala Janet brings a soothing presence rather than an electrifying one.

Khala Janet is the type of teacher whose intellect speaks louder than any booming voice could. She comes equipped with her deep knowledge and passion for history, which she’s ready to share. She may even try to drill numerous dates of the most irrelevant event in history into the minds of her students. She teaches things that are relevant in today’s world, going beyond the outdated material found in old textbooks. She links the past to the present, highlighting the fact that history repeats itself, when talking about civil rights movements, world wars, and the present government and economy

It is obvious that she desperately wants her students to care as much as she does. And sometimes, they do. But other times, especially when the lessons go on longer than expected, it would need a miracle to stay focused. Her voice is steady and calm, similar to a lullaby early in the morning. Most of the time,  her classes are never-ending, the clock refuses to budge, and when it does, at the speed of a snail. Still, despite the class’s lack of attention, she is patient and even sometimes sympathizes with her students. She puts herself in her student’s shoes. She often reminds them that she wants to see them succeed, even within a system that feels overwhelming and unforgiving, especially at an age overwhelmed by stress and pressure. 

But what makes her stand out most is how kind and understanding she is. If her students need extra time, she gives it. If something’s going on in their life and they need someone to talk to, she listens. She advises as someone who’s seen a lot and thought deeply about the world, not just as a teacher, but as a person. Her advice doesn’t always come with a big speech. Sometimes, it’s just a few minutes, but it sticks, is on point, and full of intellect, and reflects her experience. 

If her students are overwhelmed with other classes, she’ll adjust deadlines. She knows life can be stressful and that school isn’t the only thing her students are dealing with. 

That makes her classroom feel safe, most of the time. Sometimes it’s an internal war, trying to get another class’s work done, or studying for a test in the next period, making sure she doesn’t look over. And if she does, it’s game over. She is both firm and flexible, deeply knowledgeable yet never condescending, always striving to make her students see why the past matters to their future.