Hi Ben,
Your posts give me strength and make me stand taller. Solving the problems in our schools can only be done when we believe in ourselves. On your forum, you talk about our real individual problems, not to be solved but because they need to be seen. It’s about being seen, about being heard. This understanding is what makes your posts unique and encouraging. It’s hard to be in the mess of it, but it’s good to know we are not alone. I have less pressure on myself than I’ve had ever in my career. I teach each class less than 80 min a week. 14 classes, 8 grades. Your share of Dr. Bourne’s list of teachers rights must be read daily, until you believe it. Until you live it.
This work is really just a small part of any child’s real education so its best to stay with what’s essential: the heart. The big picture is; I want students to remember this language with fondness. I want them to play with it and enjoy it. There is a real lack of joy in most buildings. Joy comes from gladness, gladness from gratitude and gratitude from intentionally finding the good. Some classes are so joyless I start with “Doy gracias por…” I give thanks for… and I make them see their gifts: family, friends, etc. It changes their hearts and mine. Gratitude always precedes a miracle.
I’m thankful that you see us and that you share in this vulnerability.
Thank you for talking about the substance that makes us more human.
Jenna