Perceptions are a funny thing. We know from lots of aspects of life that
perception is reality. That is true for
the students we teach, those that teach next door to us, and those that are
parents of the kids in our building.
Each one holds a perception of you, me, the school, and education as a
whole. What can we really do to affect
that in a positive way?
One of the aspects we strive for is communication and
relationship building. We want to
develop the “relational capacity” to have those hard conversations with or
about students. We want parents to know
that we cheer as much as we criticize.
That builds trust. I take bad
news much better from those that I know give me the kudos when deserved
too. I take criticism better from those
that I know have my back no matter what too.
Notice I didn’t say that I take criticism
well….no one really does. We all
struggle with it, and it is never easy to hear.
But, we want to have the best and most trusting environment when we need
it. Parents might not take “bad news”
well, but they hear it when they trust the source. We need to also communicate what we do…we know
we work REALLY hard all the time and we do things that would surprise the
average Joe. So, don’t be afraid to
communicate that to parents and other stake holders. Let them see some of the magic behind the
curtain. Transparency is a good thing.
We wear so many hats in the field of education…we are soooo
many different things to different people.
I can honestly say that you guys are amazing…you are able to choose your
battles well. We attack what needs
attacking, and we work on what needs to be worked on. But, you are good are putting on blinders
when you need to as well. Thank you for
having those “multiple personalities” that help kids.
I appreciate you guys….what a great week of STAAR! We know the results will be great!
Happy Friday!
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