The mark of an educator who can reach and teach students is one who continues to build upon the art of compassion. I am very serious and intentional when I put the words “art” and “compassion” in the same sentence. Kindness is an art form, it is a habit, it is a way of living, and it is a purposeful practice.
When I think of the people who have made the biggest impact in my life, they were the on the “I’ve got you” camp rather than on the “Gotcha” camp. When I am talking about the “I’ve Got You” people, I am referring to individuals who truly have your back. Not those who have your back superficially, but those who are actually willing to get their feet muddy with you. Those that will praise you in your best moments, but who are also skilled at helping you grow upon your strengths and helping you improve in areas where you struggle. Those that are able to point out to you that you messed up without making you feel like YOU are a mistake.
This is not to say we can never correct poor behavior because we should correct it. It is also crucial we teach and reteach behaviors we want to see. But, if we are constantly addressing people with a “Gotcha” attitude, where it only seems that we are looking at them in the lens that they always do wrong, we will not be able to make the impact we desire to make.
We have bad days. We are human. We make mistakes. But, we have to catch ourselves, reflect, and think of the type of environment we want to create for our students AND staff. Both are equally important.
I believe we are made up of more skills than deficits. If we can help our students and staff believe that, too, they will feel more comfortable to be who they are, rather than worrying about what we think of them. People grow in environments where they feel nurtured and understood, rather than feeling “on watch” and scrutinized.
I am lucky to work in a building and district that continues to put building relationships as a top priority each day.
Let’s show others that “I’ve Got You” and help bring out the best that they have to offer,
