Chapter 4 Relationships, relationships, relationships

Classroom teacher vs. School teacher

In Chapter 4, George Couros invites us to consider the importance of positive relationships within our schools. A key concept that resonated with me was the question, "Are you a Classroom teacher or a School teacher". That is to say, do you consider yourself in the service of the students in your own classroom, or do you consider all the kids in the building yours? This is a powerful question.

Some years ago, I experienced a very difficult year professionally and personally. At that time I had witnessed some unfortunate behaviour in and out of schools, in the face of adversity.  And so I made a decision of how I would to respond to negativity: no matter how challenging a situation is, I will leave only happy footprints behind me.  Negativity as a response to negativity only leads to more anger, hurt and hostility.

I will admit this is hard to live by at times and I am by no means flawless in execution! However, when I see others through a lens of compassion, it helps me proceed through the day without holding on to the negativity that sometimes shows up.

Compassion is recognizing that all people want to be happy and are working towards that. While their ideas and opinions may not be the same as my own, they are moving on their own path.  As I work to be the best teacher I can be, I need to work with loving kindness with students, parents, colleagues and administrators to the best of my ability. When a difference of opinion arises, I need to accept the other point of view, but not the negative energy that might accompany it.  In this way we can work together for the best of the students.

In my classroom I have a large close-up photograph of a shirtless toddler with huge brown eyes, round cheeks and a slightly dirty face. The portrait helps me remember that every student is someone's precious baby.  They all deserve the very best from me.

So as I work towards the goal to leave only happy footprints behind me (and not a glowering, hurt and angry cloud!)  I have the responsibility of being positive in my day to day interactions with others.  I greet students in the hallway with warmth and a smile, whether they are in my own class or not. They are all under my umbrella.  A small act of kindness can have an enormous effect on a student - or on anyone, for that matter. The happiness I try to pass on always comes back to me. I LOVE hearing a student call "Bonjour, Madame Rea!" as I make my way through the school. It lets me know I'm on the right path.