I've been saying this for YEARS!!!! Before learning can occur, the students must like and respect you. That means that relationship building has to occur first. I still have a lot to learn but I continually look for ways to improve...I am "born to make a difference!" Thank you for sharing this, Lisa. I needed this little reminder!
It is absolute truth! And I thought of you when Ms. Pierson was telling her "plus 2" story...literally could hear you having that conversation in your classroom. #beadifferencemaker
It does put everything into perspective. I think this is why our job is so demanding. I have always thought I was building that foundation between my students and myself. What makes it so hard, is that teachers do not receive any clarity that we are making a difference right then...we often hear about years later. The most interesting comment Ms. Pierson made was about "not letting those tough kids know they are not your favorites." It is like turning the other cheek, and allowing one's feelings not to come out when students strive to challenge us. That is so true...it is easy to love the ones ones that love us back...a bit harder to love those who push us back.
It is ironic, isn't it? Teachers spend every moment providing feedback in various forms yet receive very little themselves. It is critical to be rooted in the focused mission of student learning because the emotions of a 12-year-old aren't the most reliable factors by which to chart our course. Love your quote! It reminds me of our Papaw's funeral when all three children spoke and shocked each other because their speeches all started with "I was Daddy's favorite." Wouldn't it be remarkable for each student in my classroom to believe he is my favorite?
I've been saying this for YEARS!!!! Before learning can occur, the students must like and respect you. That means that relationship building has to occur first. I still have a lot to learn but I continually look for ways to improve...I am "born to make a difference!" Thank you for sharing this, Lisa. I needed this little reminder!
ReplyDeleteIt is absolute truth! And I thought of you when Ms. Pierson was telling her "plus 2" story...literally could hear you having that conversation in your classroom. #beadifferencemaker
DeleteIt does put everything into perspective. I think this is why our job is so demanding. I have always thought I was building that foundation between my students and myself. What makes it so hard, is that teachers do not receive any clarity that we are making a difference right then...we often hear about years later. The most interesting comment Ms. Pierson made was about "not letting those tough kids know they are not your favorites." It is like turning the other cheek, and allowing one's feelings not to come out when students strive to challenge us. That is so true...it is easy to love the ones ones that love us back...a bit harder to love those who push us back.
ReplyDeleteIt is ironic, isn't it? Teachers spend every moment providing feedback in various forms yet receive very little themselves. It is critical to be rooted in the focused mission of student learning because the emotions of a 12-year-old aren't the most reliable factors by which to chart our course. Love your quote! It reminds me of our Papaw's funeral when all three children spoke and shocked each other because their speeches all started with "I was Daddy's favorite." Wouldn't it be remarkable for each student in my classroom to believe he is my favorite?
Delete