Some of your friends might seem like they have it all together. They don’t. Everyone has struggles. Everyone is dealing with stuff. And everyone appreciates kindness.
Lesson plans are important, and pedagogy matters... but some of the most important work of teachers, might not be captured by a plan. When teachers encourage, support, inspire, care about, and connect with their students... they are engaged in work that transcends the “plan.”
My 13 year old daughter has talked for several years about how much she loved her 5th grade teacher. I just asked her what she liked about her.
Her response: “She liked US.”
So simple... yet so profound. Kids gravitate to the teachers that like them. They can tell.
What you believe about why you go to work each day really does matter. It affects your motivation, your dedication, and your gratification. It’s a good idea to remind yourself from time to time… about why you do what you do.