I have been so happy to see teachers being recognized in so many ways. Two of the most heartwarming have been a librarian on the Today Show and a 3rd grade teacher on the Ellen DeGeneres Show. I think that I gravitate to these 2 examples because they both shared a similar message to their students and that was a feeling of compassion and hope. There was no sense of an ulterior motive. It was just honest to goodness genuine care for students and community.
I have blogged before about the culture of a school being noticed or absorbed through messages. We sometimes don’t realize the messages we are sending out and should be mindful of this fact. I would also argue that what we put out into the world and to our classroom is a very powerful message.
I swear, the librarian who was highlighted by Hoda on the Today Show is my spirit animal. Ms. Thomas found what she had around her house during this quarantine to add some pizazz to her reading time on-line to the students. Since she had costumes, she decided to use those and a green screen as an added part of telling a story. Check out the video of her reading in some of the outrageous costumes and virtual settings (she had me smiling from ear-to-ear):
Now, I am not suggesting teachers or media specialists should start ordering costumes to make their lessons exciting. What I gleam from this video package is the heart and soul of someone who loves what they do and because of this passion, she will find innovative ways to adapt to any situation to build on relationships and learning. In fact, I would argue that you could take away Ms. Thomas’ costumes and her students would still pick up on the love of reading from her.
Mr. Limata just exudes joy. I am struck by this teacher because I see so many teachers who don’t just open their hearts to their students, but they give up time and money to provide what a kid needs. I am not asking for teachers to spend money, but the general public should know that on average teachers spend around $1000 a year of their own money for supplies in their classroom and often for things that some kids need like food, sometimes public transportation, and classroom materials.
Similar to Ms. Thomas, the media specialist, I see a teacher who let’s their students know that they care. It is not through purchasing items; it is the way that their teacher shows patience and understanding to what his students need. Teachers are spread thin and sometimes we lose our patience or maybe tense up and raise our voices because we are stressed and frustrated. We might not realize the message we are sending out and unintentionally we are sending the message that they have become burdensome. I have been guilty of this, for sure. Try to be like Mr. Limata and hold onto that joy of teaching. You are making a difference!
For my 1st grade teachers, here are some of the books that Mr. Limata is holding up for his students to read. I thought these were a good selection:
Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly and Lauren Freeman
I am a Cat by Galia Bernstein
Grandma’s Records by Eric Velasquez
Miss Nelson is Missing! by Harry G. Allard Jr. and James Marshal
The Word Collector by Peter H. Reynolds
My takeaway is that being a teacher is not just a profession. It is part of human connections. Love what you do. Be a Teacher.
See You Real Soon
Erin
Join our inspirational community…
[fluentform id=”1″]