While most teachers would proudly wear a badge that says, “I’m a Team Player”, “I Support Kids”, or “Giving Support is My Superpower”; it takes special qualities to truly earn the distinction. Besides being a stellar instructional leader, an exemplary role model, a comforter of tears and fears, and a stylish fashionista, a teacher must be supportive of their students, colleagues, and administrators. Yes, I have included administrators; administrators need love too! Although, I don’t like to brag, I must admit, my team has earned a Blue Ribbon for being supportive. Today’s blog highlights how we work together to make “Awesome” happen in our school!
We started the school year laden with the usual organizational tasks: establishing school and classroom expectations, ensuring that breakfast and lunch were served in ample time, and practicing safety drills. Added to the list, was an arduous task; one that required collaboration and support from several team members. To briefly summarize the predicament, there was a grade where it was challenging to provide ample support during math instruction due to enrollment size. While I pondered how to alleviate the problem, a teacher volunteered to accept additional students into her math class. I was truly taken back by this demonstration of support shown by the teacher. As we discussed the needs of the students, she simply said,” I just want to help.” Although we continued to modify our plans during the weeks that followed, the teacher had voluntarily accepted responsibility for fifteen additional students. In my book, she deserves a badge that says, “Giving Support is My Superpower!”
My teachers demonstrate their support of our kids in many ways. They seek to build professional relationships that encompasses students’ interests within and outside of the classroom environment. While leaving the building about 5:30 p.m. one evening, a teacher mentioned that she was going to watch her student play softball. In a tweeted post, another teacher shared, “At my student’s soccer game; he supported me, so I can support him.” A very spirited teacher has crowned a stuffed animal which she adored as a child as the designated classroom mascot. Without hesitation, she has shared animated stories about her childhood. It doesn’t stop there, there have been numerous conversations focusing on how to meet the instructional needs of children, how to support children who are being raised by grandparents and other relatives, and how to simply make children understand that our school is a haven. My teachers never give up! They come to school with a SMILE, and they make AWESOME happen!
I am often at school late, typical for a school administrator. Occasionally, I am completing a task that couldn’t be started or finished during the day. Sometimes, I am planning for a special event that will be hosted the following day. Before leaving for the day, I guarantee, that five to six teachers will ask, “Can I Help?” Sometimes, they laugh and say, “You are doing too much”, and just pitch in. Their presence makes any task easier and promotes much laughter among the group. Their SUPPORT is priceless!
So you see, our success as AWESOME educators relies greatly on our ability to build relationships and to support each other! I appreciate my team because we CARE about KIDS! We don’t do average, WE DO AWESOME!!
Seems like you don’t go home. Maybe there’s something to be said when these kids think teachers and principals live in the school. I greatly appreciate all that you do. It’s teachers and principals like yourself that do not just teach but make a positive impact on the future generation!