I will only ever self-score myself with the highest score (5) in one category on my teacher evaluations. Knowing my students. Not only do I know my kids strengths and weaknesses in the classroom, I know what makes them who they are. I know what they like doing on the weekends, their favorite color, what they’re afraid of, what their dreams are. I know THEM. And the things is, I want to know them. They’re such amazing little people and such fun to get to know.
I recently had a conversation with a former coworker about how the students are easily (and obviously) the best part of our jobs. We’ve seen many teachers leave schools because the students are “hard” and they want to be in areas with less “issues”. (I could rant about this for a long time, but I will save that for another time). Ultimately, kids everywhere have baggage. Teachers everywhere have baggage. The goal is to love people anyways. You will not find a school with perfect, always well-behaved students. It doesn’t exist. No matter what kind of school you work in, if you love your students, they will work for you.
-Last day of school 2019, please note how many children were crying because the year was over. I still laugh about this memory.
I have taught in a private school and now in a Title 1 school. Exact opposite environments in a lot of ways, but the thing that remains the same is the kids’ desire for deep connection with the adults in their lives. As an adult who spends more time with them than their parents during the normal school week, it is vital that I invest in them. They are smart and can tell when an adult doesn’t care. If you don’t care about them or haven’t shown them that you do, you cannot expect them to just willingly obey your every word.
- Universal day with a student's family. Florida perks.
This isn’t rocket science, but I’ve seen that this comes more naturally for some than others. And that’s totally OK! The important part is that we are constantly working toward it.
One way I ensure I am getting to know my students is by carving out time in the day to talk to them. Not about math or reading, but just whatever they want. This happens some during morning meeting, but more often at the end of the day as we clean up. Or at recess. Or if I pull some kids to eat lunch with me. Sometimes I feel like shooing them away. I get mentally tapped out by the end of the day, but I try really hard to give them my undivided attention anyways. This past year, I didn’t have it in me to do lunch groups. I NEEDED that time. I honored that for myself and made up the talk time in other ways.
Morning meeting is a non-negotiable part of our day. We meditate, say our daily affirmation, discuss our schedule for the day, and then play a game or do a discussion question. This time sets up our day and gives us time for just fun and talk, too.
-JDRF walk 2017
This next tip is one I’ve found to be a little controversial. I want to share my experience and then you can decide for yourself how to go about it.
I humanize myself. My students know I am a real person with real feelings and real interests outside of school. They know my first name (but also know they can’t call me that until they graduate high school). They know my roommates’ names and the names of my best friends. They know ALL about my cats. They can tell you my favorite movies, fandoms, foods, and hobbies. I tell them when I’m not at my best, mentally or emotionally. I apologize when I mess up. We have real discussions about why we do anything we do in the classroom. Personally, I think this helps establish a mutual respect. They respect me because I respect them and I am real with them, not because I am a teacher and they “have” to. Some have said this is too casual and not professional. Maybe that’s true, but I didn’t choose to go into the corporate world. I chose the business of people, of children to be exact. It’s personal, not stiff and professional. That being said, I obviously don’t share everything with my students. They’re eight, after all. There’s a level of what they should know, and I don’t go past that obvious boundary. But they know about my life and who I am. Again, you can decide what is comfortable for you.
-JDRF walk 2018
At the beginning of every year, I message parents and tell them to let me know if their kid has a game, competition, whatever that they’re comfortable with me attending. I let them know I won’t always be able to come, but I’d love to have the opportunity. I’ve witnessed soccer games, football games, musicals, choir concerts, and even a pageant. I like for my students to see that I am their cheerleader in anything they work at. I’ve seen this really win some kids over who may be “tougher nuts to crack” on forming a genuine bond. It’s a bit of a time sacrifice, but it’s 100% worth it if you can swing it.
Really it comes down to this. Invest in your students as people, not just students or a part of the job. They deserve it. And I promise it makes work a lot more enjoyable!
-Fall 2017 Remember, you're changing the world! With love, Erin, aka Miss Wells
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