I've never studied RTI's, analyzed child brain psychology or psychometric data in order to understand why brain functions take place or how each child learns and why. I can not measure or catalog even the best or worst moments of the teaching spectrum from the child that struggles, to the child that soars and is bored. Although, I happen to have both of those in different subjects.
I know and understand the concepts of having a joy for learning and engaging. I have done it my entire life and am still learning new things EVERY single day. I have completed many homework assignments, read MANY textbooks, novels & stories, written hundreds of essays, a thesis, graduated with honors, stayed up late cramming for tests, studied hard & slacked off, worn school colors and uniforms with pride, aced exams and bombed them, been excited and celebrated over A's and also punished and disciplined for C's, D's and even a few F's.
Most proudly now, I am a mother of two who adore their teachers with all their hearts. I patiently wait everyday to pick up my kiddos eagerly anticipating and inspired to hear their stories of what you have taught them. I cherish my talkative child that discusses every detail absorbing school days like a sponge, EVERY last drop...the good, the bad, and the ugly. My other child I dig and prod and pry attempting to open the clam shell of knowledge that is still being analyzed and internalized. Every child a special gift uniquely made by God. And teaching is more than standards.
I am undeniably protective.
And it is because of my protection - and lack of teaching qualities - that makes me far more qualified to talk about your legacy than any education reformer, testing analyst, computer evaluation, legislator, Washington DC consultant, Value Added Measure, and/or your personal effectiveness of student growth as a quality teacher.
I am certainly more than qualified because I am a mom and nobody knows their child better than, Mom.
I completely and wholeheartedly know what legacy truly stands for and how teachers create a legacy on a daily basis.
Legacy is what gets handed down, it's the values and morals shared which matter. It is more importantly the very specific item each young child yearns for in mentors and teachers in order to help them find their way. It's what they will fall back on when life's challenges occur and during the trials.
You can't hand down test scores, honor roll awards, statistics, or achievements.
You hand down the example of work ethic, leadership, creativity, ingenuity, moral lessons, courage to admit your mistakes, the ability to say your sorry, take time to give a hug when someone is having a really hard day, dry a tear from the child who's father was just deployed, save a snack for the student who's single parent was just recently laid-off, and say NO....again, to the child that is always testing your patience. You are a teacher. You stand for humility, grace, persistence, and LOVE. That legacy is what matters, and not a single one of those can ever be tarnished, even if your student scores an F on that test, on any test -- because you are making a difference.
It matters that you care, that you are professional and patient, kind and loving even on the toughest of days.
It matters that you continue to encourage and reward not ever giving up. It matters that you tie shoes, wipe noses, give high-five's, treasure box treats, parent notes, papers to re-do, tough grades, recess duty (to keep order in the chaos), bus duty, classroom jobs, weekly newsletters, a band-aid, great job stickers or a cute little blue stamp that says nice job/way to go. You are the voice instilled in a youth that reassures them it's ok to fall down, just get back up, and you are there to pick them up and dust them off. You keep fighting, meticulously reminding the same kid for the 100th time every single day. You set the boundaries and you ignite the spark.
You make phone calls home, grade papers, stay late for parent teacher conferences, spend money you don't have, prepare lesson plans at nights and on the weekend.
I pray you do not take any stock in what those test scores or A-F school grades say about you. What you build on a daily basis, the foundation of legacy and character you are leaving behind does not go unrecognized. This mom of two, wants to be there beside you, volunteering along the way to help you make extra copies, put together craft projects, laminate, cut, fold, tear, staple, sort, etc. You are far more than effective...you are invaluable. A teachers legacy has never been more important or stronger than what I see being built and established at Catalayah.
In a time of darkness and evil, I see you doing the best you can with what you have been given. Federal mandates tie your hands behind your back, but I pray daily you continue to shine your light brightly because I know there are hundreds, even thousands of students that have come before us and more that will follow behind us. I know there are BILLION dollar testing vendors, software programs, textbook companies and private investment firms looming...just waiting to put out your fire.
Whether or not any student scores proficient, your accomplishments are nothing short of remarkable. So the next time you are in the midst of a lockdown drill, or sitting in the professional development meeting listening to another conundrum about value added measures attempting to automate, industrialize, or computerize your profession please know it's your character that sets you apart.
And that's a legacy that matters.
Thank you for all that you do!!!
It's also the reason why we choose to opt-out from any high or low stakes testing because teachers matter NOT test scores!
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