Summer is here
Your time has come to think about the Fourth of July picnic, getting your own kids off to camp and maybe planning a side trip or two to the lake, ocean, mountains, overseas or to visit friends and family you rarely see. Congratulations! Another school year with all of its ups and downs has come to an end. Although we need to take good emotional care of ourselves throughout the school year to remain at our best, this concentrated period of time away from the classroom known as summer vacation gives us a wonderful opportunity to recharge our batteries before we begin a new campaign. Sadly, some non-educators harbor some envy towards us, unable to realize the intense amount of effort, energy and talent it takes to have five learning groups going simultaneously while redirecting Chad who refuses to work, Beth who complains endlessly and Rochelle who picks at her arm until it bleeds. So be sure to read some of those exciting novels you've been postponing, play your fair share of eighteen holes or just lay in the sun and let its warmth fill your pores. Better yet, be sure to do some of all of that or whatever else nurtures your heart, mind and soul.
A few nights ago, I attended my youngest child's high school graduation. On stage sat school board members, administrators and a teacher representative from each department. Of all the evening's events, the one that impressed me the most was how so many young men and women detoured to Mr.Wilson, social studies teacher, and gave him a big hug before they continued their walk across the stage to receive their diplomas. Although I did not know the specifics, I had no doubt that this was a teacher who had made virtually all his students feel special. There can be no better reward.
As the calendar winds through the long summer days and breezy nights inevitably bringing the beginning of a new school year with a new group of students, you will probably want to start planning ways to make your new year as good as it can be. Allow yourself to reflect on what went well this past year. Think of students who really showed academic or behavioral improvement under your watch. Without regard to whether or not they passed the state test, how you contribute to their success? What did you do to connect with them? How were you able to make them feel special? Now think of some situations that did not go so well. If you had to do them over again, is there anything you might have done differently? Could it have helped to have a bit more patience and tolerance? Was there a strength or two in the student I might have overlooked?
One gift of teaching is we get to do do-overs. While last year is over and done for better and worse, there will soon be a new group of young people needing an inspirational teacher who can see and nurture their possibilities and hopes while teaching them the important messages of life. So as you enjoy these well deserved, refreshing moments of summer relaxation, pause occasionally to reflect on the lives you have already touched well and the many more that await you.
P.S. Our trainers are available for on-site workshops focusing on behavior and classroom management. For more information, call 1-800-292-6930.
A few nights ago, I attended my youngest child's high school graduation. On stage sat school board members, administrators and a teacher representative from each department. Of all the evening's events, the one that impressed me the most was how so many young men and women detoured to Mr.Wilson, social studies teacher, and gave him a big hug before they continued their walk across the stage to receive their diplomas. Although I did not know the specifics, I had no doubt that this was a teacher who had made virtually all his students feel special. There can be no better reward.
As the calendar winds through the long summer days and breezy nights inevitably bringing the beginning of a new school year with a new group of students, you will probably want to start planning ways to make your new year as good as it can be. Allow yourself to reflect on what went well this past year. Think of students who really showed academic or behavioral improvement under your watch. Without regard to whether or not they passed the state test, how you contribute to their success? What did you do to connect with them? How were you able to make them feel special? Now think of some situations that did not go so well. If you had to do them over again, is there anything you might have done differently? Could it have helped to have a bit more patience and tolerance? Was there a strength or two in the student I might have overlooked?
One gift of teaching is we get to do do-overs. While last year is over and done for better and worse, there will soon be a new group of young people needing an inspirational teacher who can see and nurture their possibilities and hopes while teaching them the important messages of life. So as you enjoy these well deserved, refreshing moments of summer relaxation, pause occasionally to reflect on the lives you have already touched well and the many more that await you.
P.S. Our trainers are available for on-site workshops focusing on behavior and classroom management. For more information, call 1-800-292-6930.
posted by irondequoit @ 9:35 PM
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