May I be frank? Teaching is harder now than it was 28 years ago when I began my career. Yet, just as fervently, I can proclaim that every time I walk into the school, I feel a sense of contentment and belonging. It’s a little like the satisfaction that comes when a puzzle piece is put into place.
Since it is harder than it used to be, my antennae are always searching for something inspiring. This week, that encouragement came from Linda Cliatt-Wayman. Linda spent 20 years in special ed before overseeing all the high schools in The School District of Philadelphia. When no one would step in to be the principal at Strawberry Mansion High (characterized by extremely low test scores and a reputation for being persistently dangerous), she took it on. She was the fourth principal in four years. Her TED Talk “How to fix a broken school? Lead fearlessly, love hard” has been played over 2.5 million times. She encourages us to lead well, eliminate excuses, and love strong.
It is good to be reminded that of all the things we focus on in a new school year, building relationships is one of the most essential. You already know why:
- When we have strong relationships with students, attendance and motivation are higher.
- A solid connection creates a learning environment that is supportive and engaging.
When a strong relationship exists, it often survives long past our classroom days together. We’ll get a hug in the hall next year, a visit after graduation, or in the case of one of my former students, notification when she gets her first teaching job. Sixteen years ago, I had a wonderful first grader named Aryanna. Now she is teaching second grade. It’s another good reminder of the importance of what we do. Tomorrow’s teachers may be with you right now.
Let’s close with a bit more from Linda Cliatt-Wayman, who has a message for teachers:
I’ma tell you, you are the most special, precious people on this planet. . . . There is no president, there is no vice president, there’s no astronaut, there is no one without you.
I want you to always be proud to say, “I am a teacher.” Do not put your head down, do not say it low, do not say it lightly. You look at someone in the eye, you tell them, “I am a teacher, and I change the world.” (To hear the rest, go to Making Space with Hoda Kotb.)
It’s true, my teacher friends. It is so true.
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