I had a few conferences on Thursday evening. I do not enjoy conferences. I don't like saying things that no one wants to hear. It always feels like so much is at stake. It's very hard to not go into fix it mode or accept more responsibility than I should.
I had a first experience that I've never had in 12 plus years as a classroom teacher. I had a parent pop in for an impromptu conference. My first thought was, "What's wrong?" I was bracing myself to be caught off guard, and I was.
This parent really did just want to connect, asked for my opinion about something, and then said, "Thank you for teaching. We need more people like you teaching." (I get a little lump in my throat just typing that.) I was caught off guard.
As a couple of days have passed, I'm struck by how truly rare those words are for teachers to hear. I know there is plenty of gratitude and also plenty of ingratitude, but it's so rare, as a teacher, to be in a position to really be open to hearing thank you. It also reminds me that I want to say thank you more--not just that automatic response, but from my heart. I've also had a parent prepare a scrumptious and healthy lunch for me this year--another first! This is another thing that has never happened before. That one I want to tuck away for when my son goes to school. It was incredible.
In both situations I felt like a valued human being. My questions today for us, brave teachers, is what are we doing that gives other people--kids and adults--that they are valued human beings?
I had a first experience that I've never had in 12 plus years as a classroom teacher. I had a parent pop in for an impromptu conference. My first thought was, "What's wrong?" I was bracing myself to be caught off guard, and I was.
This parent really did just want to connect, asked for my opinion about something, and then said, "Thank you for teaching. We need more people like you teaching." (I get a little lump in my throat just typing that.) I was caught off guard.
As a couple of days have passed, I'm struck by how truly rare those words are for teachers to hear. I know there is plenty of gratitude and also plenty of ingratitude, but it's so rare, as a teacher, to be in a position to really be open to hearing thank you. It also reminds me that I want to say thank you more--not just that automatic response, but from my heart. I've also had a parent prepare a scrumptious and healthy lunch for me this year--another first! This is another thing that has never happened before. That one I want to tuck away for when my son goes to school. It was incredible.
In both situations I felt like a valued human being. My questions today for us, brave teachers, is what are we doing that gives other people--kids and adults--that they are valued human beings?
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