Be the Change

Today was a typical day at New Bedford High School. Most of the students trudged through the heat and humidity of the school to see how their school year would end. I have a lot of students absent, which is not surprising considering the heat, but many students who were happy to be in school as well, although they probably wouldn't admit it. At this time of the year, I often reflect on whether I made a difference or not. It's a good time to share stories with colleagues and sit back and create quality time with students. I experienced both today. In two different conversations, I talked with colleagues about the necessity and the strength of building solid relationships with students. Engaging them in the classroom as individuals is the cornerstone to quality learning, no matter what the research says about the latest pedagogy. We recognize, and students know, that the respect a teacher earns is often measured by how consistently they care about students. Over and over again, though, I hear from students, teachers, parents and administrators about the horror stories of bad teaching. Control and fear destroy great classrooms. As a school, ideally, we should create an atmosphere of leadership and inspiration that demonstrates to all parties that other solutions exist. It is possible to demonstrate tolerance, patience, forgiveness, understanding, acceptance and respect in the classroom as a teacher while also maintaining clear, fair and consistent rules. I have to admit that I am not the best at doing this, but I try hard. This is the kind of school in which I would like to teach. But I can't just write about it. With a new superintendent coming into the school system, I have the chance to voice my ideas through different committees and different community groups. I have to speak out. Of course, at this time of the year, the best ideas flow... Let's see if it happens.