They Are All Our Children!

This blog was inspired by a prompt from #IMMOOC2 in reference to classroom teacher vs school teacher. 

When classroom teacher vs. school teacher was first  discussed in the Innovator's Mindset, I was wondering what everyone was talking about.  As I read, listened, Tweeted etc.,  I then started to watch and listen at my school.  I realized we have a building of school teachers.  I noticed this as I watched teachers interact with learners all over the building.   At Howard Elementary, we have embraced the idea "They are all our children."  

One interaction happened that sparked my thinking.  My friend and ELL teacher, had observed one of the learners I work with when she was supporting in a classroom. I am not sure she knew at the time, but I had noticed a change in his disposition and was working on trying to change his attitude for a while.  She made a point of letting him know what a wonderful book talk he had shared with his class. He beamed from ear to ear.  Another day,  I heard her say I can't wait to hear you share again Friday.  Again, he beamed.  When I pointed out to her what I have been learning and that she was a great example of a school teacher, she beamed. This helped the idea of school teacher vs classroom teacher come to life for me.  

In the Innovator's Mindset, when George Couros describes school teachers he states, " School teachers consider every student in the school their own, no matter if that child is in their grade or subject at the time."  They build relationships with all of them and consider supervision an opportunity to get to know other students. School teachers share their ideas with others freely.  I believe I lean more toward being a school teacher enjoying all the students in the school and thrive on sharing ideas with others.  Going forward, I  will definitely be more intentional about what I say and share with ALL learners in our building. I have witnessed what a little positive reinforcement can do for empowering others, no matter the age.