You could read the research or you hear about it in your education courses but nothing really make a profound impact on you until you see it in a student's eyes. Being a child's champion, cheering them on when they don't believe they can do it is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job! As educators our job is not to just "teach" the standards but to make an authentic connection with our students by learning about who they are, what they like/dislike and to empower them with the skills they need to be successful in life.
Yesterday, while conferencing with my students I was congratulating them on the successes they have had in making new friends in middle school, being responsible students, being self-advocates as well as making growth in reading and writing so far this year and most importantly, telling them how proud I was of them. It was the smiles on their faces and some tears in their eyes that spoke to me….they knew I was their cheerleader. That I believed in them. That is worth more than ANY paycheck….ANY day!
I am not "just" a teacher, I am a child's champion!
