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What are one or two practices you’d like to implement that would allow you to demonstrate your care for and commitment to your students? If you already have practices in place, what are they?
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Something I have done for many years is writing notes to students. Just a little encouragement can make a big difference. I need to do that more often, though, I must admit. I also need to do better at making sure I am gentle and quiet in correcting students instead of pointing out a problem in front of their peers. It is always a joy to have students from previous years come up and hug me or give me a high five, and I know it encourages them, so I go out of my way to encounter students on the campus and give a little sign of love and encouragement.
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As an art teacher, I like to challenge students to take projects to the next level. If they are struggling with a skill there is no penalty for sticking with the basic assignment. Last year I taught one point perspective to seventh grade. We practiced a simple city-scape together. Those who were confident had the option to apply what they learned to drawing a room or a city-scape for their project. I assign projects that have enough parameters that students have solid guidelines, but leave enough freedom for students to be creative.
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Students spend the majority of their days at school. They are always trying to look for someone to talk to. They want to be able to share the difficult situations they are going through, or their accomplishments. As a teacher, I have tried to create an environment in which my students feel comfortable coming to me to be heard. They know I will be honest with them. I encourage and also challenge them with love.
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I usually like to talk to students about things of interest to them. I also like to follow up with students about big sports games they have coming up, vacations they go on, or even other relationships things in their lives to let them know that I remember my conversations with them.
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During our morning prayer and Bible lesson I take daily prayer requests as well as praise reports from previous prayers. I also make sure to set aside time for student to talk to me if they are having any personal struggles or just need to talk. I make sure that all of my students know I love them and that I pray for them daily.