Little Did I Know That I Was the One Learning From My Students: 10 Lessons and Counting
This past year I transitioned from a classroom teacher to an instructional coach. My hope was that I’d have an even broader impact as I now have the potential to extend my reach beyond my classroom. Prior to working as an instructional coach I was able to impact fellow educators while presenting at conferences, networking and developing a PLN on social media. The school I taught in had phenomenal teachers and we all learned from one another. However, I felt that with this new role I would be able to work side-by-side with classroom teachers, listen to their needs, provide support, and elevate our profession. Where I currently work as a coach, we serve 21 districts within our region, and it’s providing me with exceptional insights into what schools are doing and what they need most. While I’m really appreciative of the opportunity and look forward to growing in my role, I have to admit, I wasn’t necessarily ready to leave the classroom.
A Real Life Treasure
I realized this even more today as I reorganized my home office. While going through my file cabinet, I came across a manilla folder- a rather stuffed manilla folder- that had all sorts of cards, papers and drawings spilling out. As I opened it, my heart sank. Sifting through the hundreds of artifacts I’ve saved from my past kiddos, I began to miss teaching even more.
As I looked through, I couldn’t help but giggle a few times at some of the memories, but then I just teared up as I reread notes written from such depth of heart. When we’re in the thick of teaching there are so many demands that come our way. It can feel overwhelming. We have students who often just want to connect or who go out of their way to make a drawing for their teacher because they have a giving heart and desire human connection.
Taking Time to Notice
Do we slow down to show appreciation in return or rush on to the next thing? I know that throughout the years I have given hugs and said thank you in return, but something felt different as I looked through these notes and drawings from the past 15 years. Perhaps it’s because this is the first year I won’t be returning to the classroom to greet an amazing new group of learners.
15 years of artifacts… I saved everything. From the random drawing of a candy cane with no name to lengthy letters. I have poems, notes, and thank you cards from students and parents alike. These kids (and many parents) poured their hearts out and I feel eternally grateful for being able to be their teacher. Over the years, teaching hasn’t been “easy.” There were ups and downs, but ultimately, it’s about touching lives. I look back and read through the letters that now lay before me on my office floor and I wonder if my past students know how much I am also thankful for them? Truth be told, I’m the one who is really grateful. Every single student has taught me so much.
Lessons Learned From Working Alongside Kids
- Over the years, I’ve learned that I don’t know everything and sometimes (even in elementary) there are students who know more about certain topics. And, that’s okay. How cool is it that we can all learn from each other?
- I’ve learned that kids have unique and innovative ideas. They also have deep questions about the world and our universe. Engaging in Visible Thinking Strategies such as See, Think, Wonder unleashed curiosity!
- I have seen children carry more struggle and pain than any individual ever should. Children most often share what they are going through with those they deeply trust. I’ve learned how resilient children are, especially when they have a consistently trustworthy and caring adult in their life.
- Through drawings and notes learners have shown me that our classroom culture instilled beliefs in them and they’ve contributed theirs as well such as: “It’s okay to be different.” And, “I believe in myself and care for everyone in our class.” Kids can be more accepting and insightful than some adults.
- Learners want to be empowered as leaders and are capable of assuming more responsibility than some might anticipate when provided the space, structure, belief and guidance. They also like to see that they can make a meaningful impact in our world at any age as they work through project based learning, Design Thinking projects, and passion projects.
- Learning can be fun and it’s okay to laugh throughout the day. In fact, I believe it’s part of a healthy classroom culture.
- I have learned that providing space in the day is extremely beneficial, it’s what allows kids to develop new ideas or different ways to demonstrate their learning. It’s all about providing the tools and room to explore. Some will tell me they can’t find the time, but you can get creative. I too, had to work through this.
- Although learning content is important, human connectedness through relationships trumps everything else. Without it, kids are less likely to put forth as great of effort. Kids work harder for those they’re connected with and who they trust care about them.
- Whether it’s through a simple smile, note, or conversation, I understand the importance of expressing gratitude. Throughout my years in the classroom, students have left notes of appreciation for peers, individuals in the office and cafeteria, and myself. In fact, one year we wrote 100 letters thanking those who inspired us as part of a lesson from Ignite Your S.H.I.N.E. Letters were mailed to all different states and countries, some even received a letter in return. Our motto was to “make the world better with each interaction.”
- Together, we learned that risk-taking doesn’t have to be scary, especially if you have supportive people around you who are there to encourage. My students taught me the importance of trusting myself to Take the L.E.A.P. to Ignite a Culture of Innovation, alongside each of them. We celebrated mistakes and our ability to persevere through them and shared our learning. It was seeing the growth in each child that inspired me to continue exploring and adjusting the environment to meet the unique needs of learners.
I am certain that I’ve learned more lessons than I’ve shared here, and I’ll continue to learn in my new role. Teaching really is so much more than content and skills. Yes, both are essential, but if we don’t connect with the heart, we’re missing the main goal. Throughout the years I placed relationships first and through those relationships I was able to create a culture where learning flourished. From September to June it was like watching a budding rose bloom, and I miss seeing that process unfold firsthand!
If we want meaningful change, we have to make a connection to the heart before we can make a connection to the mind.
-George Couros
School is a community and each of us makes a choice on what kind of an impact we want to make. I know I’ve made mistakes over the years, but from those mistakes, we learn and grow. Soon, we will be heading into a new school year. This will be the first year that I don’t kick off the year with my own class of learners, and that feels so strange! As an instructional coach, I hope to make a great impact on those I serve alongside and the school communities as a whole.
It’s All About Touching Lives and Inspiring Individuals
To fellow educators, remember to take time to step back and remember why you got into this profession. Embrace the little moments and the tokens of thanks from students. Your influence can last a lifetime, be the one who is forever remembered for building others up, believing in their ability, and teaching what matters most. Although the profession can be challenging, (there’s not denying that) please don’t take for granted that you are handed a class of amazing kids and that YOU are the one who can shape their year either positively or negatively. And, believe me. I’ve had my fair share of kids who either push back or like to see how long I’ll stick it out with them. Truth be told, they’re my favorite. Take it slow, but never give up. Remember it’s not personal and that by remaining steadfast, you’ll develop trust. When you do, everything begins to change- just gradually. Every child deserves to have an adult in their life who never quits on them. We are so fortunate to be educators with the opportunity to leave a lasting impression on our youth.
Throughout the year, try to seize opportunities to really get to know each child and see them for who they really are. Not for who they are as they try to gain acceptance from peers or who they are based on the opinion of past teachers, but who they are in their heart. Carve out time to connect with individuals and as a classroom community. Strive to embrace opportunities where together you can make an impact on your school or community, showing kids that they have meaning and purpose. I promise it will be worth every ounce of effort.
In closing, I want to share this note with you because it summarizes so much of what I hoped to create for my students and their families. This right here is what it’s all about.
Never underestimate your impact.
