Having an Attitude of Achievement
Continuing on the idea of #StartingWithHeart, I believe the first step is "Cultivating an Attitude of Achievement," I emphasize the profound impact of being a living example of inspiration for your children. The well-known adage that children are more likely to follow what they see rather than what they're told holds true not only in parenting but also in education. The cornerstone of influencing and motivating students begins with adopting an attitude of achievement over one of deficit. It’s essential to reflect on whether we genuinely harbor belief in our students' potential—believing, for instance, that a student currently reading at a kindergarten level in eighth grade can progress and excel in their academic journey. This belief must be so deep-rooted that it infuses our students with a sense of discomfort, pushing them towards growth. It’s about questioning whether we see the latent capabilities in students who may appear disengaged or disruptive, or in those who never raise their hands.
Our faith in their potential needs to permeate their very core, challenging them to reach beyond their current limitations. This mindset shift is critical for educators to inspire a genuine love for learning and achieve remarkable educational outcomes. Following the theme of "Cultivating an Attitude of Achievement," I'd like to share a transformative experience that underscores the power of belief and empowerment in education. This memorable lesson wasn't meticulously planned or differentiated with small groups; instead, it was profoundly impactful because it engaged even the typically disinterested students. Remarkably, it was during this session that one of my most challenging students—a young man known more for his disruptions than his diligence—expressed a desire to lead the lesson.
Faced with a critical decision, I chose to empower him, allowing him the opportunity to showcase his potential. Despite his reputation as the class clown, he immediately captivated his peers with his imitation of my teaching style, using my own words, "Alright, y'all, let's lock in." His success was undeniable; for an hour, he engaged every student, with no distractions or disinterest in sight. This moment was eye-opening, revealing a profound truth: sometimes, disruptive behavior masks a deep engagement and a unique way of connecting with education. It highlighted a crucial lesson for educators: the importance of fostering an environment where students feel empowered and recognized. Giving this student the platform to lead not only validated his potential in his eyes but also in those of his peers, sparking a domino effect of enthusiasm for teaching among the class.
Such experiences remind us that our role extends beyond instruction; it's about identifying and nurturing the spark within each student. By believing in our students enough to hand them the microphone, the clicker, or simply the space to express themselves, we cultivate a sense of belonging and confidence. This approach not only transforms individual lives but also redefines the educational experience, making it a journey of mutual respect, discovery, and empowerment.
Questions to Reflect as You #StartWithHeart
As educators, it's crucial to reflect on the atmosphere we're cultivating within our classrooms:
Do we create a space where students feel safe to express themselves authentically?
Are our lessons designed to be inclusive, actively engaging students in the learning process?
If we were students in our own classrooms, would we feel empowered by our teacher to leverage our talents, or even to fail and understand that it's perfectly okay?
Education transcends the mere accuracy of answers, the frequency of raised hands, punctuality, or having the right supplies. Like any meaningful journey, education is not about constant eagerness to participate or an uninterrupted string of successes. It mirrors life's broader realities, where commitment and discipline intersect with vulnerability and understanding. Acknowledging this, educators must embrace days when motivation wanes—whether due to anticipation for the weekend, personal challenges, or feeling undervalued—and still champion the ethos of #StartWithHeart and an attitude of achievement.
This commitment means believing in our mission and our students so profoundly that our conviction becomes infectious, inspiring students to take the lead. It's about maintaining faith in our craft and our students, even when faced with myriad obstacles, ensuring that this belief is so potent it motivates students to want to step into our shoes, if only for a day. Embodying this approach transforms educational experiences, making them richer and more empowering for both students and teachers alike.