Taking Care

Today I conferred with two teachers who had just led a wonderful writing camp for students.  I know it was wonderful because I conferred with them every day, talking through plans and celebrating successes.  I know it was successful because I reviewed the student feedback: All but one reported significant increases in their confidence as writers (one started and ended with 10 J).  Students said, “They should never stop doing writing camp!” “It couldn’t be better,” and “I wouldn’t take back an instant!” 

But as I conferred, tears welled up in one teacher’s eyes, then the other.  They were upset because one dad had expressed concerns in the parent survey about the camp.  Never mind that 19 students had glowing reviews.  One parent had a different perspective, and never mind that that parent had a history of harassing teachers at the school.  These teachers felt worried that perhaps one child’s heart had been hurt, that there had been a misstep or oversight.  These teachers cared about the one. 

When I saw the tears, I went into protective mother-hen mode.  We had already talked through the issues and recognized where the concerns came from.  We had already discussed parameters to make future camps even more successful.  What was needed was affirmation of successes, acknowledgment of work well done, and a hand on the arm that expressed comradery.  Because the parent requested that I call him, I followed up with a message assuring him the teachers were aware of his concerns and had themselves been concerned about similar issues and worked hard to improve them.  My response wasn’t completely satisfying to the parent, but it lifted the burden of a teacher who was wondering aloud whether she was in the right profession. 

Teaching with the heart is wrenching work – but teaching without heart is unfulfilling and futile.  As coaches, we are teachers’ support system.  We have their back.  As confidants, we problem-solve together, acknowledging needs but also affirming accomplishments.  These two teachers will continue to put their heart into their work.  There will always be dissenters who don’t acknowledge the complex nature of teaching, but as coaches, we understand the complexity and sustain teachers in this worthwhile work.

This week, you might want to take a look at:

Podcast on how to change your teaching based on brain research:

https://www.jackstreet.com/jackstreet/WHKD.Roth.cfm

Which one doesn’t belong: Mathematical argumentation in grades K & 1:

https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/evidence-supported-claims-nsf?utm_campaign=digest&utm_medium=email&utm_source=digest

Hooking boy writers:

https://www.choiceliteracy.com/articles-detail-view.php?id=1869

Try “lino” as a summarizing tool:

http://en.linoit.com/

A brief video on teaching social and emotional skills:

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid3671211724001?bckey=AQ~~,AAABlTNHE7k~,oIicl_E-tmhDtDkfwzKAp9yYvfvdcIPK&bctid=4059469298001

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