While encouraging kids seems a natural extension of being a parent and a teacher, adults often forget to compliment one another. This is especially true about working in an environment that fosters stress, feelings of inadequacy, and uncertainty about the future. In this climate of political upheaval and deep budget cuts it is surprising how a few minutes of positive feedback to reshape an entire day - at least for me.
Last Thursday one of our assistant principals spent a class period in my room while the kids edited a literary analysis essay. It was a typical lesson on a typical day - no dog and pony show for the boss. (Let me just interject here that I am generally annoyed by this process in which someone spends one hour deciding whether or not I'm good at my job.) Today, I was pleasantly surprised by the outcome because the AP actually "got it." He didn't just say "Good job, Jenny; sign here," (which has happened to me before). We had a real discussion of what happened over the course of the period and the course of the year. He included a list of all the extra activities I am involved with ranging from district committees to department chair "den mother" to mentoring a student teacher. By the time we were finished, I felt appreciated, which brings me to the point of this story: a little appreciation goes a long way.
I know that sounds trite, but it is true. After many weeks of feeling discouraged and thinking that no one notices how much effort I put into my job, I discovered someone (other than my family) is actually paying attention. Pleased as I am with this realization, I wonder how much happier I would be if the boss had just handed out an occasional "atta girl" along the way. With this idea firmly in mind, I am renewing my efforts to appreciate my colleagues. Earlier this year I made sure to hand out cookies and encouraging notes on a regular basis, but I have grown lax. As I have become discouraged by politicians and lazy students, I have allowed that to seep into my dealings with others. However, today I know that one note, one pat on the back can make all the difference in the world.
Last Thursday one of our assistant principals spent a class period in my room while the kids edited a literary analysis essay. It was a typical lesson on a typical day - no dog and pony show for the boss. (Let me just interject here that I am generally annoyed by this process in which someone spends one hour deciding whether or not I'm good at my job.) Today, I was pleasantly surprised by the outcome because the AP actually "got it." He didn't just say "Good job, Jenny; sign here," (which has happened to me before). We had a real discussion of what happened over the course of the period and the course of the year. He included a list of all the extra activities I am involved with ranging from district committees to department chair "den mother" to mentoring a student teacher. By the time we were finished, I felt appreciated, which brings me to the point of this story: a little appreciation goes a long way.
I know that sounds trite, but it is true. After many weeks of feeling discouraged and thinking that no one notices how much effort I put into my job, I discovered someone (other than my family) is actually paying attention. Pleased as I am with this realization, I wonder how much happier I would be if the boss had just handed out an occasional "atta girl" along the way. With this idea firmly in mind, I am renewing my efforts to appreciate my colleagues. Earlier this year I made sure to hand out cookies and encouraging notes on a regular basis, but I have grown lax. As I have become discouraged by politicians and lazy students, I have allowed that to seep into my dealings with others. However, today I know that one note, one pat on the back can make all the difference in the world.
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