November 11, 2023

Quote of the Week

"The best teachers are those who show you where to look, but don't tell you what to see." - Alexandra K.Trenfor

Every Kid Needs A Champion

We've all had atleast one teacher in our lives, that looked at us beyond the obvious. They saw in us that no one could see. They made us believe in ourselves even when we had lost all hopes. Here are some of the qualities that made them who they were.

1. **Connection**: They were able to weave a complex web of connections between themselves, their subjects, and their students, creating an environment for learning that was both personal and universal.

2. **Inspiration**: They ignited curiosity and fostered a love for learning in their students, often beyond the confines of the subject they were teaching.

3. **Presence**: They had a strong sense of personal identity that infused their work. They were truly present, enthusiastic, and intentional in their teaching, bringing authenticity and integrity to the classroom.

4. **Compassion**: They empathized with their students, understandood their individual challenges and needs. They guided each student with care, always seeking to uplift rather than demean.

5. **Adaptability**: They were open-minded and innovative, adapting their teaching methods to meet the unique needs of each student.

6. **Promotion of a Learning Mindset**: They didn't just give answers but guided students in asking questions, fostering an inquisitive, analytical, and introspective mindset that extended beyond the classroom.

Inspired by these qualities and more, here's a TED talk by an incredibly inspiring teacher Rita Pierson, who reminds us on the power of being a good human being, as she continues to remind herself of the power of being an educator.

"Rita Pierson, a teacher for 40 years, once heard a colleague say, "They don't pay me to like the kids." Her response: "Kids don't learn from people they don't like." A rousing call to educators to believe in their students and actually connect with them on a real, human, personal level." [see video]

Reading Corner

Title: A Letter to My Teacher: A Teacher Appreciation Gift

By: Deborah Hopkinson

Ages: 3-7 years

"Dear Teacher, Whenever I had something to tell you, I tugged on your shirt and whispered in your ear. This time I’m writing a letter.

So begins this heartfelt picture book about a girl who prefers running and jumping to listening and learning—and the teacher who gently inspires her. From stomping through creeks on a field trip to pretending to choke when called upon to read aloud, this book’s young heroine would be a challenge to any teacher. But this teacher isn’t just any teacher. By listening carefully and knowing just the right thing to say, she quickly learns that the girl’s unruly behaviour is due to her struggles with reading. And at the very end, we learn what this former student is now: a teacher herself.

From award-winning author Deborah Hopkinson and acclaimed illustrator Nancy Carpenter, this picture book is made to be treasured by both those who teach and those who learn." Publishers

Be the Change

Think of that special teacher who inspired you and believed in you. Go ahead, and write a letter of gratitude to them to express what a difference they continued to make in your life.