Cherish the Final Days

I am probably not supposed to say this as a principal…

I am sure there are Administrator 101 textbooks out there that say it’s never good to admit this out loud, let alone in a blog post…

Yet, I am just going to say it… I am tired, and I am stressed.

You see, the end of the year is a challenging season in the world of education. This is typically when many events and activities begin to take place...graduation, end of year celebrations, assemblies, night events, the final grading period is coming to an end and projects are due. Most state testing is completed, and many students are looking at a summer break just days away.

As a principal, this time of year brings on an interesting challenge...I must plan for the future, hire for tomorrow, yet not lose focus on the here and now. This isn’t easy, and there are many moving pieces to an always changing game-plan. I think of it as playing chess, but with five games going on at the same time…

It’s this time of year when I find out staff members I love dearly are taking on new challenges or promotions at different schools, or staying home with family, or retiring. In one moment I am hurting as I find out I have to say goodbye, and in the next realizing that I need search to find the right person to welcome in as a new member of our team.

This time of year is challenging. It is difficult, and I hate to admit it...but it is emotionally draining.

Last night we had our school’s annual Student Council Dance, and I asked for every teacher to please attend...this of course meant I asked for everyone to come to a night activity on a Friday night, from 6-8 PM, with only a few weeks remaining in the school year.

For many this would seem like a difficult thing to get excited about, after all, I knew how tired I was feeling...yet our teachers are pretty amazing. While it would have been easy to find a reason to miss, they didn’t. They were there, ready to enjoy a moment with the hundreds of families that came.

At the end of the night a gentleman stopped me smiling saying, “Hey, only eight days left!”

I laughed, and said something like, “You know it!”

Right after that a grandmother, who is mom to her granddaughter, pulled me aside and asked if she could share something with me. I smiled and said, “Of course!”

Her eyes began to tear up, “You have the best staff in the whole world Mr. Steele! It’s a Friday night at 8 o’clock and this building is filled with teachers making my granddaughter smile. Please tell them thank you for me, they don’t know how much this means to us parents, to give up their night for our children.”

I thanked her, gave her a hug, and watched as she turned and took her granddaughter's hand. It was in that moment that I realized something...we only have eight days left!

You see, there are two ways to look at the statement - We only have eight days left.

One way - We only have EIGHT days left. Often it is a countdown, only eight days until a break. Only eight days until summer. Only eight days until I can sleep a little longer and have a little less stress. Teaching is a challenging profession, and I can admit this has been my mentality for the majority of the final few weeks of school I have had.

There is another way to read this statement though, and it hit me last night as that wonderful grandmother walked away - We ONLY have eight days left. You only have eight days left with the kids you have grown to love in your class this year. Only eight days to see if your students will have another light-bulb moment. Only eight days to laugh with the students you have built such a great classroom culture with. We only have eight days left with the students we love so much. Only eight days left with teachers I am going miss more than they will every truly know.

Education is a marathon race that starts over each and every year. As educators we have two options when we can see the finish line...we can give into our exhaustion and stress only to limp across the finish line, OR we push forward with everything we have left as we cross the finish line celebrating each final moment we get with the students and colleagues we love so much.

As I said in the beginning of this post, whether I should admit it or not...I am tired, and I am stressed. As I think over my years of teaching and administration I have to admit I have crossed the finish line with a limp in my step on more than one occasion...only to miss my students the next Monday they didn’t return.

This time of year is difficult and exhausting - but we need to remember to cherish the final days. Cherish the moments with the students you love, and the colleagues you care so much about. At our school there are only eight days left, and I hope I cherish each one before they are gone.

Trust - The Challenge and Need in Education

When I was a child, in sixth grade to be exact, our school went to camp. For me, growing up in Washington meant camping was a regular event, but the idea of going to camp with my classmates...well, I wasn’t sure what to think. It didn't take long to learn that school camping was not like the camping I was used to...it was mainly kids in cabins going to bed early, eating food that all tasted the same no matter the color, walking around trails, and completing “learning activities” along the way.

At the end of the week my cabin was ready to participate in a team-building activity. The title of this activity? “Trust Fall.” Now, it’s important to note that I was not a popular kid, in fact, most of camp for me was looking forward to free time so I could go off alone and fish. I didn’t make friends easily growing up - talking to others didn’t come naturally, and confidence was something I just didn’t contain. So when the counselor said we were going to partake in an activity called Trust Fall...well, my imagination took over and I pictured myself free-falling from a tree to a group of hands waiting below.

For those unfamiliar with a Trust Fall here is the idea, as I quickly learned that day. One person stands as straight as possible with his arms folded in front of him while facing away from those watching. A second person, who is deemed strong enough catch the person standing in front, is given the role of catching the person when he falls backwards. So, simply put - one person falls backward without bracing himself, while the other person catches him.

The counselor, who seemed to be enjoying this activity a little too much, asked us to partner up. I, being the loner of the group, was partnered with, of course, the last remaining kid who stood alone. Still though, if I could trust anyone in my cabin, the kid who also didn’t get connected to the group would have been as good as anyone.

For whatever reason I was chosen to go first. My partner looked strong enough, he said he was ready, he said he could catch me...so, I fell backwards. I kept falling, and falling...and then...pain. I couldn’t breathe, I couldn't think, I just hurt.

It was that moment - lying on the ground looking at the clouds slowly move overhead while gasping for air - that I realized something...It was going to be hard for me to ever trust again. Sadly, that has been the case for a very long time.

The challenge with trust, no matter the field you work in or the life you lead, is that it requires you to hand over control to someone else. This of course comes in many forms...We give control of our hearts to the ones we love, our child’s safely and intellectual growth to his/her teacher, food cleanliness to our favorite restaurants, finances and financial future to our accountants/financial planners, health to our doctors, and for many - even our eternity to our Savior and God.

Trusting is difficult. For many years I ran under the notion that I would only trust someone if he/she deserved it. If that person had shown time and time again I could trust him/her to get the job done - the right way, have my back, show honestly in difficult times and fairness even when it didn’t mean getting his/her way...then, and only then, I would trust them. Of course, we are all human, so offering trust on the basis of perfection meant I would never be able to trust anyone for too long.

In the world of education, the need for trust is abundant, yet how often do we truly analyze its importance? When looking at the network of relationships within a school, the need for trust becomes very clear. When starting with a teacher at the center, a web of trust begins to form between the teacher and students, parents, counselors and administrators...all of whom work together as well...this is just a glimpse, and does not include the many people/entities that make up the community and world our students grow up in...

For me, this all leads to one question...how do we create an educational environment where trust exists? After all, mistakes are going to happen, and people may not always catch us when we fall backwards…

The answer: We must offer trust freely first, without the requirement of earning it.

Now don’t get me wrong. I am not saying you can always trust everyone...but what I am saying is in the world of education, and in regards to the web of student, parent, teacher, counselor, administrators and other school personnel (instructional coach, librarian, nurse, specialists, etc) we need to offer trust freely, until proven otherwise. I will be the first to say that this isn’t easy, we are asking imperfect people to make the right choices, not gossip/talk negatively about us, protect us, do right by us, and live a life of integrity at all times. Yet, for schools to be successful, for schools to get the most out of our students, and each other...I truly believe this is a step we need to take.

I am going to be honest...this is difficult for me, and it has been my entire life. I am not sure if that comes from a fear of being hurt or disappointed, a fear of mistakes being made by others, a desire to do things myself, or any other factor that may be in the way...Yet I will continue to try each day to offer it freely...after all, we all share the same goal and desire - to ensure our students, every single one of them, are safe, cared for, and successful. Trust will help us get there, because without it...well, let's just say our students deserve better than that.

I will run through a wall for you...

I have always loved the expression, “I would run through a wall for him/her!”

Think about that...even if I could manage my way through a wall, how painful would that be? Assuming of course it is an actual wall and not a Hollywood designed prop that looks real but is really just styrofoam…

You see, I love that phrase because it illustrates a passion for the vision or person leading the way. After all, the idea of running through a wall usually comes within a phrase like…”I really don’t think I can pull this off, but I would run through a wall for him so I am going to try.”

In education, walls seem to pop up all the time that seem impossible to overcome...instructional gaps, curricular changes, campus/cultural changes, behavioral needs, social/emotional needs, and many more…while teaching truly is a powerful and meaningful profession, it comes with it’s own challenges. Many of which look like walls standing in our way.

In life, when staring at a wall we really have three choices:

A: Turn the other way and avoid it.

B. Try to find a way over or around it, yet not actually conquering it.

C. Charge right through, win or lose, giving it your all.

I think for most educators we want to take the third option. We don’t want to run away, we don’t want to skate around it, we want to get through it victoriously for our students. However, while most educators I know would be willing to tackle the wall, it’s often going to take more than themselves to take that first step.

Now don’t get me wrong, I know there are plenty of educators that are willing to take on challenges without the help or support of anyone else, but I think most need support or encouragement. That makes sense though...I don’t know about you, but if I am staring at a wall I would love to tackle it with a partner, or two, or three, or 100. Of course, that isn’t always possible. Often educators need to take on challenges with the encouragement of someone, yet in the end it is really between them and the wall...one on one...mono e wallo -

As a principal, there is nothing more difficult than knowing one of the people I love most in this world...any educator on campus...is staring at a wall. Yet many educators find themselves feeling alone when challenges arise. Of course, teaching is interesting that way...while most schools are built on the ideology of collaboration and team planning, the reality is that teaching is often an independent profession. Yes, you have students with you. Yes, you have teammates next door. Yes, you have an admin team, instructional coaches, and other support systems in place. Yet most of the day it is the teacher, the lone adult in the classroom, making countless decisions all in the name of ensuring each child gets an individualized experience based on his or her needs. Teachers must constantly make independent decisions, move forward, create meaningful moments, and be willing to take risks all in the name of student achievement...it’s this reality that often creates moments when teachers find obstacles, much like walls, and can feel very alone as they are deciding between options A, B or C.

I wish principals were given magic wands that made all challenges go away. I wish I could meet with a teacher and simply say, “Please share with me the challenge you are facing so I can make it disappear by the end of our conversation.” Sadly, that doesn't exist. Teaching is never easy, but always worth it. Yet there are times when things get difficult and walls can occur that just seem impossible to get through...

For me...I want my teachers and staff members to know that if they are staring at a wall, they will be sure to see me run towards it ahead of them. I want to be the person leading the charge, the one who does whatever possible to help him/her get through. While I know this isn't possible for every challenge that comes along, if I can take on the challenge with them I will. I will lead the way, or I will support them all the way through. Whether it is an encouraging word, a first step, a shoulder, or running forward side by side...I will be there.

In the end walls are always going to pop up, challenges will come, decisions will need to be made, and there will be moments in each educator's life when he or she will have to decide...do I run? Do I try to get around? Or to do do my best to push through for my students? I just hope when that moment does come for those at my school, they remember they are not alone, I will be there...cheering them on, running alongside, or rushing past to lead the charge as we try and run through the wall, together.

Why I Love You

Dear Amazing Staff Members,

My job is a little different....I am seemingly always on the move, from classrooms, to duties, to meetings, to planning sessions, etc. - Though moving 1,000 mph is challenging, it offers one unique and special gift; I get to be around everything. I get to see the little moments that make me smile, the challenges you fight through, the accomplishments you quietly make. I was there when you stopped a teary eyed child in the hallway and made her day with a smile and reassurance. I was there when the clock struck 6 and you were preparing for the next day. I was there when you met with a parent, fought for your student, worked side by side with your team, and gave every ounce of energy you had to your classroom and community.

You see, it's because of the little things that I love you. I love your heart, your desire, your passion and your little successes. I love your perseverance, your tenacity, and your ideas. I love that you chose such a challenging profession...and whether you are in a classroom, with a small group, or working one on one with a student - you are making a difference in the life of someone wonderful and precious. I love you for all you are and all you do.

You are an educator...you make a difference each moment of every day. You change lives, you bring hope, you provide support, and you set a path to greatness with every child you meet. What you do is a gift, and it's the fact that you embrace this gift each day that makes me say I love you.

Dear Brilliantly Wonderful Students,

It's me, your principal. I know you don't get to see me everyday in your classroom or in the hallway. But let me let you in on a secret...I hear about you all the time, and I am always here to support you.

There are lots of moments I get to see - like the time you didn't give up on that design challenge and were able to get the boat made of tissues to float...well, at least for a minute. Or that time you stopped and helped your friend pick up his papers when they fell on the floor. I was there when you passed that test, there when you learned about coding, saw you get Citizen of the Month and perfect attendance. I was there when you learned from your mistake. I see you each morning at carpool, and all over the building throughout the day.

I know you hear this from your teachers all the time, but I want you to know that I love you too. I love that you never give up when the work gets hard, that you practice sounding out words and remembering your multiplication facts. I love that you take risks, take ownership of your learning, and ask really hard questions that stump your teachers. I love that you embrace the process of learning, and are not afraid to make a mistake...because after all, that's how we learn! I love that you tell stories, make friends, create artwork and solve problems. I love when you come to school smiling and leave exhausted from a hard day of learning...but not too tired to tell your family about all the great things you did.

You are only in elementary school for a little while, but know this: The decisions you make each day matter, the friends you make and the teachers that love you matter, the hard work you put in and the process of learning something new matters, and in the end...I will always be proud of you, no matter what.

Dear Parents - ALL Parents,

Hey, it's me, your child's principal. To grandparents, foster parents, step parents, friends and family...if you take care of a child that comes to our school, this is meant for you. I want you to know that I love you. I really do, not just saying that...

I love that you trust us with the most wonderful and precious gift in your life - your child. I love that you trust we are doing all we can each and every day to ensure your child gets the very best. I love that even when mistakes happen, academic struggles occur, and big decisions are needed to be made...you remember we are in this together, as a team. There is no question you are your child's biggest advocate, but I promise, we are a close second - and I love that you recognize that.

I love that you volunteer, join the PTA, bring food on teacher appreciation days, come to conferences and school events, have lunch with your child, and allow me to welcome you when you come in. I love that you support us each day and come alongside us as we work together to make our school great.

I love you because you are our partner, for being a parent, for making a difference, and showing you care. Thank you for supporting us, thank you for sharing with others how much we mean to you, and thank you for trusting that we love your children for who they are.

Dear All Above,

Thank you for allowing me the privilege to love and serve you each day. It's not always perfect, mistakes are made and changes occur, but we are in this together - and I love that I get to be on this journey with you each day -

So, why do I love you? Because you are an amazing and wonderful blessing in my life - and a blessing I am truly grateful for.

I am a great teacher because...

When I entered college I knew I wanted to be a teacher...nothing else. I began my freshman year with teaching in mind, and four years later I graduated with my educational degree in hand. Yet, there were many times...many many times, when I would be questioned about my decision...things like: “Why be a teacher? June, July and August?” or “If you wanted to be a babysitter for a living why even go to school?” or my personal favorite…”Shouldn’t you pick a profession that pays more?”

I hadn’t even started teaching...yet the image painted by those on the outside presented teaching as an underpaid glorified babysitting position that was really only worth doing because I would have summers off. Such a distorted picture…

Considering just how important our profession is to not only our future, but to the lives of countless individuals...it amazes me just how many people view education in a negative, or lesser-value, light.

Teaching is hard. Multiple subjects with large quantities of content, students with countless individualized needs, many standards written by non-educators, never seemingly enough time, and assessments critiquing our ability to teach/lead. It’s no wonder many educators leave the profession within the first five years of entering it. More importantly...it's no wonder many begin to lose their way, doubt their abilities, and struggle with the idea of even being successful as an educator. Here is a hard truth...while many teachers leave, many more continue on, burnt-out, not trusting in their ability.

February/March is a very difficult time of year for many teachers...In fact, the University of Oregon did a study that showed February also represents the highest rate of discipline referrals in schools. It's the time of year when state testing hasn’t started, the excitement of winter vacation is gone, and summer seems too far away for many students. It’s this time of year when we need to remember...need to remind ourselves of something so very important...why you are a great teacher -

I asked my wonderful team of teachers to finish this sentence: I am a great teacher because…

Here are many of their responses:

“I am a great teacher because I care. I care about my students' personal and academic lives. I care about whether they are groomed, fed, and dressed appropriately for the weather. I care about how they feel about themselves, how they feel about others, and the character traits they represent. I care about their feelings and do my best to help them express them in healthy ways so they can communicate well. I care that they have the skills, materials, and strategies to be able to learn each day. I care about their feelings and making sure that they can identify and sort through them with coping strategies. I care that they walk in the door each morning and are shown love and support until the second they leave my presence at 2:45. Above all, I care because they are important. They are our future and I want to do my best so that they can be their best.”

“I am a great teacher because of my desire to reach all students. I may not reach all of them, but I want them to learn to persevere irrespective of where they may be academically.”

“I am a great teacher because I have a strong rapport/engaging personality with my students and a different teaching style.”

“I am a great teacher because I really love teaching! I love seeing their growth from September to May. I feel like I have good classroom management and run the class where not only are we are all learning, but also having fun. I want my students to be happy while they are with me everyday.”

“I am a great teacher because I eat, sleep, breathe my kids and my job. I take it home with me. I love my kids, and they know it! I love my job and as hard as it is sometimes I am so blessed to be chosen for this career. I enjoy so very much being a part of my school family!”

“I am a great teacher because I really care for my students; push them to work hard, and to show their full potential. I come to school every day thinking it is a new day, and whatever happened the day before, was in the past. I want my students to do the best they can do. When I see that they are really struggling when doing independent work, then I know what I need to work on with them at teacher table. As for my students who are on the higher end, I want to push them to be able to do more than what is expected for the class. I care that their scores/work go up because then I know they will be more prepared for next year. During conferences, I even had a parent tell me I was doing an outstanding job with their student. That makes me feel like I am doing something right and that I am a great teacher.”

“I am a great teacher because I care about the academic and social success of all my students, not just the low, medium, or high.”

“I am a great teacher because…success (I make it happen for every child, build it in) that comes from hard work (they must work hard in my class) builds confidence (they have a bank of strategies so they can “try”).

“I am a great teacher because I am extremely passionate about teaching bilingual education and transitioning Spanish speakers to on level ELL’s and encouraging and challenging them to master the English language in order to increase their academic goals. This will open doors for new growth and better opportunities for them in the future.”

“I am a great teacher because I don’t just care about kids’ academics. Kids are so much more than just test scores. I care that they are making themselves better, and I am constantly rooting for them. I want them to not only be good students, but good people as well.”

“I am a great teacher because I believe in students’ potential to be successful long-term, regardless of their current performance. Based on that belief I push them to grow as much as they can in every area (academic and otherwise) and try to help them understand what success is (it’s such an abstract concept so I define it for them as setting your own goals and achieving them while making a positive contribution to society) and have a positive experience working hard and succeeding in school. I build them up with tons of positive support, and try to bring fun and games into school to balance out the times when it’s just plain hard work.”

“I am a great teacher because I truly have a passion and desire to teach students. I have always wanted to be the best teacher I can possibly be. I am extremely receptive to new ideas, and I enjoy learning about and reading about new techniques and strategies out there to better educate myself and better serve our students. Most importantly to me though, is that I care deeply about each one of my students, and I know in my heart they all know that.”

“I am a great teacher because I have patience and establish relationship with all my students. Once I have the relationship in place, you can take these students to new heights.”

“I am a teacher because I had incredible teachers who challenged me, encouraged me, inspired me, and made me laugh. I was a lucky kid who loved 99% of all the teachers who ever taught me, and after I finished roaming around the world (and even during part of that time) I thought it was the best way I could give back. I thought if I could take my curiosity, energy, and endless amount of questions that bounce around my head, and then turn those things into classroom strategies, then hopefully I could do what my teachers did for me. I try to be excited about each day and each subject, and I try to encourage my students to do their best and never give up on themselves. They have their entire adult lives to doubt themselves and their choices, so they shouldn’t be told in elementary school that they can’t do something.”

“I am a great teacher because I am dedicated to my students and I use the data to help guide my instruction.”

“I am a great teacher because I believe in my students and I never give up on them. There is this feeling I get every time when a student fails and a student succeeds. The moment they fail I immediately encourage them and tell the students it’ll be ok and we’ll have plenty more chances to get it right. Once the students realize the moment they succeed the feeling is overwhelming. I get so excited and pumped and the students feel it too. To me, this is the best part about teaching.”

“I am a great teacher because I care. I will do anything for my students. I want the best for them and genuinely love each and every one of them with all of their individual faults and strengths.”

“I am a great teacher because I never think I’m done. Even when my kids meet their goals, I feel like there is something to improve on. I try each year to do something to round out my game.”

“I am a great teacher because I build relationships with my students. I push my kids to do their best, even when it is hard for them. At the end of the day, they know that I really care about them!”

“I am a great teacher because I am surrounded by great teachers who lend their expertise whenever I ask, and sometimes even when I don’t. I think the thing that I add is letting my class know that I really care about them. I try very hard to make each of them feel special and valued which, in turn, makes them see themselves as overcomers and achievers.”

Finally, and simply put… “I am a great teacher because I bring out the best in all my kids.”

If you are in education...as a teacher, paraprofessional, administrator, counselor, or in any other avenue - one of these statements applies to you. It’s important to remember why you are great, because our job is rarely easy, although it is always worth it.

I am in awe of each and every educator that comes to work each day with a desire to make a difference in the lives of so many. I am truly proud to be one small piece of a very large puzzle that makes our future brighter each and every day. So to all of those who are great, even when you can't remember why sometimes...thank you for all you do.

Creating Lasting Memories

There is something amazing about memories and school. Think about it...somehow, despite the daily lessons reflecting national standards, state testing, mathematical reasoning, letter sound correlation, inference, comprehension, scientific process, historical understanding, and much much more, lasting memories are made. Yet, no matter how hard I try, I can’t seem to remember one moment in school growing up when I was rocking that difficult math problem, or comprehending the daylights out of that leveled reader…

What I do remember…

When I was in kindergarten I asked my teacher if I could go to the bathroom. She said yes...I left the room, and on my way I was stopped by a teacher who’s name I will never forget, let’s call him Mr. G. - He stopped me, snapped at me for leaving the room, grabbed my arm and pulled me back to class. I was crying…you know, the kind of sobbing when you can’t really breath so it is more of an inhale every other second… Know what else I remember about kindergarten? Nothing really...

When I was in first grade I distinctly remember loving my teacher. Mrs. Shiffner, my mom away from home. I can’t tell you a thing I learned, but I remember her, her face, her voice, and how she loved us so much. Even at six years old I knew she loved me...wait, I remember gerbils, love and gerbils...good year.

Second, third, fourth, fifth...many more memories...being picked on, attempting to talk to girls, not fitting in, playing Pogs with the other kids who didn’t quite fit in, teachers who fought for me, teachers who fought with me...Mrs. Griffith, the first teacher to send me to the principal's office...I deserved it, yet to this day is one of my absolute favorite teachers.

I remember my sixth grade teacher Mr. Benzo...why? Because he told us a story I have never forgotten: He said he had a sixth sense...How did he know? He once dreamed that he was driving his car, and as he was passing the cemetery on County Holmes Boulevard (yup, even remember the street name) all four tires blew at once, his car rolled, and he died. So the next day, when awake, he was driving to the store, and as he was about to pass the cemetery he remembered his dream. He quickly pulled over, inspected the tires, and each tire had a nail in it! --- As a sixth grader, MIND BLOWN - as an adult...really man? Really? - All good, love you Mr. B.

Of course, the older I got, the more memories that stayed with me...and while I can remember a few projects in school, what I remember most are the moments teachers gave me a second chance. Moments of teachers taking their time to explain something I just didn’t understand. I remember girls I liked, subjects I didn’t, and my Spanish teacher who let me take quizes I missed during her lunch hour...why do I remember that? She would always leave to heat up her lunch, and her answer key was always on the overhead projector...yup, missed a lot of quiz days, and it’s no wonder I left my second year of Spanish without being able to even say a short phrase in Spanish.

Kindergarten to twelfth grade...so many memories, many are good, and honestly...many are bad. Yet there is power in this, and as educators we need to remember something...we have the ability to create lasting memories.

Take some time, reflect on your past...what do you remember? Do you remember the daily tasks or the relationships? The multiple-choice tests or the difficult moments that brought tears?

Each day educators come to work with the power to create a memory. A memory that will last a lifetime...but here’s the question, what type of memory do you want to create? No matter how hard I try, I have as many negative memories as positive ones. As a teacher, you will be remembered in some way, the question is this...how do you want to be remembered?

For most teachers, creating lasting memories is not something they signed up for. After all, how many teachers entered the profession with a passion for their subject, and a desire to help students become successful? Two great things…but whether they like it or not, memories will be made for their students. Many that have nothing to do with the subject they teach.

Educators have a powerful job as each day matters...they change lives and work in a profession that is relational, emotional, and life-altering. Each day offers a new set of memories to be created...so here is the question...here is the point...ask yourself: What memories do I want to create for my students? Each day you are creating lasting memories for someone. Be sure to make memories worth keeping.

all means ALL

When I went into education to be an elementary school teacher I wanted more than anything to reach every child. Every single one. Yet, it was during my first year of teaching I learned a difficult lesson...not all students come to school ready to learn, and not all students come to school equipped with the prerequisites needed to be successful right away. Bigger lesson...some kids are far more focused on getting through the day, let alone getting an A on the next assignment.

When I was growing up our family didn’t have a lot of money. I didn’t get the new shoes I always wanted (Adidas Sambas by the way), I had clothes made by my mother (flannel was really cheap back then), and in many ways I was a walking target for anyone that wanted to take a verbal or physical shot at me. However, while I didn’t have money or many friends, I did have a mother that was as involved as she could be, she pushed me to be better, and wanted the best education I could get growing up. There were no excuses, I was going to learn, and she would make sure of that…

I went into education thinking that most families without a lot of money worked this way. After all, it doesn’t take money to care about a child’s education. It doesn’t take money to want the best for your child. It doesn’t take money to be involved and ask questions...but what it does take? Time.

Time is a factor I never really considered growing up. While my family didn’t have a lot of money, my mom did stay home, she was there, and she was able to check in and make sure we were doing our homework...and doing it right.

The other area I never considered when going into education was a family's view of a teacher. You see, back when I was in school it was really simple...if you were successful, that meant you were paying attention and doing your best. If not...well, you needed to close your mouth and pay attention. Teachers were seen as an all-knowing expert and students, like me, understood that our job was to focus and learn from the person who had all the answers..

In essence, there were two major things I wasn’t aware of going into education…

1. Time is not always accessible for parents and families -

2. Not all parents are going to trust a teacher just because of his or her job title -

Now, flash back to me going into education. I wanted, and still want, to reach every child. I want every child to be successful. I want every child to feel loved, appreciated, supported, talented, and capable of doing anything he or she wants to do. Truth be told, I didn’t think it would be all that hard. I was going to study the content, prepare an engaging lesson, then show up and present to the class while they all listened and absorbed the information from me, the expert. After all, if a student chose to not pay attention, thier involved parent would set them straight, and...if a student gave me any lip, no worries, his or her parents would see me as an expert that needs to be respected by my title, so they would set their child straight.

It turns out...that just wasn’t the case for many of my students.

What I learned very quickly was that not all students are internally motivated when it comes to classwork, not all parents are able to offer support, not all parents want to offer support, and in a world where knowledge is at their fingerprints...anything I presented that could be Googled meant their personal device could find the answer faster than I could teach it.

Within a few weeks of my first year of teaching I began to be discouraged….I remember I hit rock bottom when I called one of my parents about a concern I had. Her child spent the first two weeks of school refusing to do anything. I added great opening hooks, I added layers of fun and enjoyment, I added games and puzzles and internet based activities. Yet, he refused. Refused to try, refused to care, refused to participate. His mom was busy, her mailbox was full, but after two weeks of trying I finally got through. I shared my concerns, after sharing some positives, and her response was one I will never forget, and is sadly one I have heard many more times than I like to admit - “Mr. Steele, from 7:45 to 2:45 he is your problem, you deal with it.”

Over time I came across students that didn’t seem to care, didn't want to learn, would give up when things got hard, would rather sleep, would even swear or fight just to escape the expectations of the class...so here was the question I faced...does all mean ALL?

I went into education to reach everyone, I wanted to reach every child...but not every child wanted to learn, and not every parent wanted to be involved or even support me. So what was I going to do? Change my stance to...all means all those willing? All means all those with parents that want to be involved? All means all those with an internal drive for success? All meant what?

Prayer. Reflection. Time. Soul-searching….Did I mean it when I said all means ALL?

In education things don’t always come easy. Every child or young adult that walks into our classrooms has a different story, different background, different struggle. Every child has a different need, different motivation, and different family life. Every child has the free will to make the decisions they choose to make. So how was I, one teacher, going to reach every child? How was I going to ensure that when I said every child was going to be successful I meant ALL? How?

The answer: I haven’t perfected that yet. Here is what I do know - It all starts with three things...belief that every child can, a desire to never give up, and a culture of collaboration for success.

The truth of the matter is there will always be students that will need more than others. Some students will have support at home, others won’t. Some will come to school for the first time able to read, and others won’t know what the letter A is. Here’s the thing...at the end of the day the only thing that matters is a desire to reach all. A desire to do everything we can to make sure every child gets what he or she needs to be successful each day.

Believe they can, never give up, work together, and strive to be a part of a culture that never stops believing...because in education there is one idea that needs to be at the center of all we do...all means ALL.

There’s no magic trick., or program, or software package...it all starts with a desire to do everything we can, together, for every child, no matter what.