The Apology

An apology recently “bookended” my day. The day before, she apologized at the end of 6th, knowing that she had disappointed me. (Doesn’t matter why. Suffice to say, she just doesn’t always know she’s talking. Love her, but she drives me nuts). I accepted. Wasn’t a huge deal. I’d already begun to forget about it before she’d even exited the room.

But yesterday morning, before school, she was back. I was in a meeting with my grade-level team, but she came in and up anyway.

“Sorry Sy. Wanted to apologize again for yesterday,” studying my eyes, taking measure of my response.

Taking measure. But I, too, was taking measure. And in that moment she blocked out the sun, her character rising estimably before me–a giant, as she stood tall in front of two other adults, owning her actions.

“It’s all good, kiddo,” I offered, giving her a high-five, letting her know how much I appreciated her action, how much I felt respected.

In my room one of my core self-standards is that I want kids to feel respected. So I give them respect in an effort to earn theirs. Yesterday, I felt like my efforts have paid off. I don’t expect kids to respect me because I am a teacher, an adult. I want kids to respect me because they find me worthy of their respect. Yesterday morning I felt worthy.

The Applause

He shared. He finally shared. On day 60, Caleb finally shared during Smiles and Frowns. He shared a smile. His peers applauded. It was a beautiful thing. He said more in that moment than he’s said all year.

The Absence

Well, not an absence exactly. I was there. I was just tucked among the kids learning from them, on the day I was being observed, judged. Not once did I stand in front of the kids. I sat with them through Smiles and Frowns, and I continued to sit and sift my way through the room, engaging them on their Truth Projects. My evaluator made her way around the room talking to kids–not me–about our classroom, about their learning.

Oh, there will be a post-ob conference, where she and I will discuss the day, but I will say nothing better than the kids said it yesterday.

The Admission

I have had a secret. But secret’s are hard to hold, so yesterday I let it go on Twitter.

Feel better. It’s off my chest. And I am encouraged by the initial response and possible traction of this particular conversation concerning grades. We’ll see where it goes.

Today’s Trail

Along today’s trail we will experience…

…connecting through Smiles and Frowns.

…continuing our media exploration with our “Truth Projects.”

…reflecting in our Journey Journals.

…hearing a Sappy Sy Rhyme

Happy Thursday, all.

Do. Reflect. Do Better.