It’s about the kids. It’s always about the kids.
Some kids act apathetic. It’s an act. Every kid cares about
something and great teachers try to figure out what it is.
Some kids come to school ready to learn and some not so much.
Great teachers come to school ready to make a difference with all of them.
Kids are much more likely to remember how you taught than what
you taught.
Classroom management is not about having the right rules FOR
kids. It’s about having the right relationships WITH kids.
Great teachers remember that not every kid is looking forward to
summer break. For some kids, school is the safest place there is.
Very few kids engaged in a lesson have ever misbehaved.
Kids sometimes do stupid stuff in class, but great teachers
don’t sweat the shenanigans. They’re too busy teaching and building
relationships.
The kids might not remember how much work you put into your
class. But they will always remember how much heart you put into your class.
It’s quite possible that the kids you like the least, are the
ones who need you the most.
When teachers love their jobs, kids notice. When teachers are
counting down the days, kids notice. It turns out, kids notice a lot!
Some kids dream of trying to change the world and some are just
trying to make it through the day. The best teachers meet the kids right where they are.
They realize their job is bigger than any lesson plan or
standardized test.
Kids don’t usually remember lessons for a long time. But they
remember kindness, humor and joy. Great teachers have those qualities.
Kids don’t gravitate to subjects. They gravitate to teachers.
Great teachers know that when they show up to work, are happy to
be there, they have significantly increased the likelihood that the students will have a great day.
Before you can win their mind, you generally have to win their
heart.
The kids in the school usually know which adults love being
there. Kids are perceptive. You can’t fake it.
It’s about the kids. It’s always about the kids.
