Chapter 10
Feeling appreciated in your workplace and home is something of which most people enjoy and thrive. When you feel appreciated, your motivation to do a good job increases. This chapter hit home with me as I recalled my teaching days. I tried desperately to make sure that each and every student felt appreciated, worthy, and respected. I wanted these children to enjoy coming to my class knowing that I appreciated what they had to offer to my daily instruction. I feel the same about my faculty and staff at DME. I greatly appreciate their input and trust their opinions as they truly have their fingers on the pulse of our school - our students. Their feedback helps to guide our daily instructional decisions. As a matter of fact, I enjoyed our Back To School Professional Development activities yesterday. They came in yesterday full of excitement…..ready for a great year. We completed several activities - ice breakers, discussed school data, talked about school safety, and planned professional development for the school year. All the while I told them how much I appreciated their time, respected their views, and was excited about the new school year. Yes, I know that actions speak louder than words…..That is so true, but I certainly hope that when my career is over that my faculty and staff and those who know me will say that I do show appreciation to those with whom I work. Believe me, I am so completely blessed to work with this wonderful faculty - We have lots of hard work to do this year, but I hope that at the end of the year in May 2009, teachers will reflect that we had fun while getting our job done! Welcome back…..On to Chapter 11, the end of our book study.
Get ready….Our students will be back next Monday.
Get ready….Our students will be back next Monday.
Posted by in 10:52:56
Chapter 10 Teaching our students to be appreciative is definitely a vital character trait, and that appreciation is for every area of life and for small and great influences in our lives. I think our schools integration of giving and writing to veterans, and making wreaths for nursing homes and gathering canned goods for those in need is a great way to show appreciation and value to others. Also the days dedicated to the maintenance personnel, the nursing personnel and so forth, which allows our students to stop and think about how these people, utilize their time and skills to benefit our lives. My students are great about keeping our room neat and tidy, they actually get down on hands and knees and clean the floor most days, as time permits, so that the maintenance staff will know that we value their efforts and do not wish to make their jobs harder. They also learn to enjoy writing thank you notes and notes of encouragement to others once the habit has been formed. I get such joy out of reading their comments too; most are really heartfelt and creative!
I’d say now is a great time, since we are on the topic of appreciation, to say thank you to our Principal, Ginger you are the best! You know, I always feel the need to explain that I am not “being a suck up” but I do fully believe in paying a compliment when heartfelt no matter what a person’s position. I already know that you back us up and are very supportive, as I have lived it, and experienced exactly the attributes that the book describes in a top Principal with you! Indeed it does make all the difference to know you are there for us, whatever pops up, and much does pop up! Much thanks to you !!
~Teri~
Can I second Mrs. Reno’s comments about our principal??? Mrs. Catoe could have written this chapter of Ron’s book about the qualities of an outstanding administrator. I feel blessed to work with her and am inspired daily to be more than I think possible because of her leadership.
Let me not leave Mrs. Benson out of this either. I have already seen her dedication to DME and getting the job done as she delivered my textbooks on Friday night (returning to DME after taking care of family business).
I have to admit that I laughed out loud when Ron wrote about how often the principal’s door is shut and how often a superintendent visits a school. These two events are SO true! Just as principals and parents watch everything teachers do, teachers take notice of their principal’s and superintendent’s conduct.
I have said since DME opened it’s doors six years ago…”The grass isn’t greener anywhere else.” Though we do have other fine schools in KC. I can’t EVER imagine leaving my second home (DME).
Ginger, I totally agree about the importance of positive feedback. Sometimes a compliment that a teacher doesn’t realize is making an impact can last for the rest of a child’s life. For example, when I was in 3rd grade, we went on a field trip to a water treatment plant. I made some comment to my teacher and she said, “You are very observant.” I don’t remember what I said to make her say that, but I remember her words and I was so proud.
As I told you recently, last year as I watched you work - the Almighty Multi-Taker that you are….I realized that it is humanly possible to be under lots of pressure and be kind and funny at the same time! It takes a very special person to do that, and your example has inspired me to be more patient and kind in my classroom.
Thank you, too, for all the MANY compliments and praise you have given since I came to work for you. The morale at DME is high because of your leadership and hundreds of students are positively impacted because of that! “Attitude Reflects Leadership” It is a wonderful thing to work at Doby’s Mill!
Ron Clark ain’t got nothin’ on Ginger Catoe!
—Angela McCall