Sometimes you never know how you affect others. This makes all the craziness of the past decade worth it:
Hey Ben –
Your blog saved my career about 10-12 years ago, and your compassionate insights on the PLC continue to motivate me and remind me of what really matters in our work. I can’t thank you enough.
Your insights and caring turned teaching around for me.
I had taken a year’s leave-of-absence from 2003-2004 (I started teaching in 1996) and wanted to leave the profession entirely. It was unbearable. Soon after I went back, Susan Gross came to my district for a one-day workshop. That led me to your blog, which inspired me to completely transform my practice. My new mantra: “First, do no harm.” I was able to base my work on positive human interaction, on connecting with students and helping them to develop their communication skills. I tell my kids that this is a communication class; that good communication skills will improve every aspect of their personal and educational/professional lives. Any French they acquire in the process is a bonus, haha.
I have had a much more positive influence on my students’ development than I could have ever had the way I was heading before I found your blog. I have made peace with this work in the context of a cripplingly dysfunctional public school system, thanks to your years of experience and research and reflection. I can’t thank you enough for making that accessible when I was floundering (and when I continue to flounder). It’s my rock, my sanity.
With deep respect, warmest regards, and unending gratitude,
Kelly
Warmest regards,
Kelly Cusson
Hey Ben –
Your blog saved my career about 10-12 years ago, and your compassionate insights on the PLC continue to motivate me and remind me of what really matters in our work. I can’t thank you enough.
Your insights and caring turned teaching around for me.
I had taken a year’s leave-of-absence from 2003-2004 (I started teaching in 1996) and wanted to leave the profession entirely. It was unbearable. Soon after I went back, Susan Gross came to my district for a one-day workshop. That led me to your blog, which inspired me to completely transform my practice. My new mantra: “First, do no harm.” I was able to base my work on positive human interaction, on connecting with students and helping them to develop their communication skills. I tell my kids that this is a communication class; that good communication skills will improve every aspect of their personal and educational/professional lives. Any French they acquire in the process is a bonus, haha.
I have had a much more positive influence on my students’ development than I could have ever had the way I was heading before I found your blog. I have made peace with this work in the context of a cripplingly dysfunctional public school system, thanks to your years of experience and research and reflection. I can’t thank you enough for making that accessible when I was floundering (and when I continue to flounder). It’s my rock, my sanity.
With deep respect, warmest regards, and unending gratitude,
Kelly
Warmest regards,
Kelly Cusson