Teachers, are there moments in your day that you stop to pause?
Do you look into your classroom observing the children who sit before you?
Does each child have a different look?
These are some of the questions I have posed to myself over the 25 years of teaching reading, 10 years of being a districtwide administrator, and 8 years of consulting with districts as a teacher of teachers, and adjunct teaching at the local college.
In your classrooms, you see the sparkling eyes of imaginers who look out beyond yours. You notice the knowledge-seekers who sit erect and weary-eyed children whose heads droop due to lack of sleep. Some of your students are troubled; they try to mask their inner, revolving feelings. Most children listen intently, some fade out fast, and others hold on tightly to bits of information you provide.
Precious treasures surround you. Eagerly, you help each student process and create as you bring joy and delight to each day. You are a welcomer of knowledge. I lover of mindful interactions and an encourager who leads students to interact peacefully with each other. You mastermind these moments that bring students together and foster interesting pathways to learning.
I send a heartnote of gratitude to each facilitator of learning.
Oops, the magic deadline hour dinged as I was almost at the end of the post.
This is the interesting thing with schools - they are measured and represented with data and at the same time a child is not a number, and the data does not tell the whole story of individual children. This is where the teacher's role is so crucial to get to know each child, to support their learning and growth. It sounds so obvious and yet needs to be reminded sometimes. You address the teachers beautifully.
ReplyDeleteCarol, it's great to read your words again and to immerse in the the flow of creative calm that you always offer. I just so happened to write an elfchen about children today, too --- it's one of the great magical things about writing with a group, how ideas fall upon us at one time. This whole post is filled with loving encouragement for teachers to really "see" each child - a true heartnote and reminder of our "why."
ReplyDeleteYou have expressed what I feel. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteCarol, you beautifully describe what it means to be a teacher. We do not just stand in front of a group of children spouting off facts. We daily assess those who enter our space. We acknowledge them for who they are and what is going on in their lives. We help them see the potential they have and help them grow on their journey to get there. Thank you for this beautiful tribute to teachers. Bob
ReplyDeleteCarol, what a sweet elfchen. Yes, indeed! I love the job of teacher as awakener of dreams. That is such a wondrous image I take from this post.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful note-awakening children's dreams, being a change maker. I always enjoy your genuine stories.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Debbie Lynn. I enjoyed thinking back on teaching days.
DeleteThis is lovely, Carol! I feel so fortunate to spend my days with young children and their wonder and enthusiasm is such a gift!
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