Celebrating Educators: Sometimes it’s The Little Things

This week was one of celebration. I’ve been working with many teachers as an instructional coach, working beside them in the classroom and facilitating small groups of students. We’ve been striving to amplify student voice and empower learning. Our projects range from summarizing learning using Flipgrid to researching various topics. Together, we planned learning experiences that would deepen learning and shift toward empowerment in primary classrooms within all content areas.

I’m in awe of the effort learners put forth and feel so proud of their accomplishments! I’m also proud of educators who embraced strategies and technology that initially felt different because it was new. They did so not because I asked them to or because someone told them to. They did so because they saw the power behind the work and knew they’d be supported every step of the way. Support in the classroom is critical, especially when it is non-evaluative.

As a classroom teacher of 15 years, I miss having my own class. However, working with teachers through challenges and then celebrating accomplishments is an amazing feeling! I really enjoy taking things off their plates by providing resources, creating and sharing strategies, and designing lessons and projects. It’s been one year since I’ve transitioned to this role. Within the year, my role has completely transformed. At the beginning, I spent a lot of time striving to connect with teachers and just getting in classrooms to support in any way. Now that relationships and trust have developed, I’m in more classrooms than I can count. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such dedicated individuals!

This week I reached out to several teachers to ask if we could highlight their work within the district newsletter to staff to celebrate and share all that they’ve been doing. Each teacher lit up and eagerly agreed. It’s little moments like that that remind me of how far appreciation can go. Teachers work tirelessly before and after their contracted hours. They spend their own money on their students, may stay up at night thinking of them, and work straight through their prep and lunches to provide the very best.

Educators in all role deserve to be celebrated. From a simple recognition statement, being featured in a newsletter, or even given a shout out at a staff meeting. Small gestures can go a long way. The more people feel appreciated, the more they pour out from their heart. In the weeks to come, let’s celebrate those we work alongside by acknowledging something they’re doing or have done. I believe a lot of teachers feel unappreciated, despite the work they do. I think it’s easy for all of us to get wrapped up within a busy day and forget to add-value to others. However, I know that the more we show appreciation for one another, the better our school culture becomes.

I want to personally thank every educator out there who is going the extra mile for kids. Thank you for giving the best you have even on the days you might not feel like it. As both a mom and teacher, I truly am grateful. I couldn’t imagine a world without the impact of educators.