That ONE kid and that ONE teacher

There is one kid in your school this week who needs you. He or she is going to sleep this evening and hoping you notice.  He or she might not tell you what is required, but he or she needs you. He or she needs you more than ever before. 

It might be a smile or a comment on their new shoes.  It might be a high five or a reminder that you are there for them.  It might be a second or third chance on an assessment.  It might be an email to let their parents know how well they are doing.  

It might simply be, “I enjoy having you in my class!”

Instead of judging them, talking about them, or complaining about them, take the time this week to understand why they are acting this way.  Take some time this week to truly get to know why this ONE kid needs you. 

Find that ONE kid this week and be their champion.  

There is also one teacher in your school this week that needs you.  They put a brave face on while at work, but they are going to bed this evening and hoping you notice.  He or she might not tell you what they need, but they need YOU.  They might communicate their need to you in mysterious ways.  It might be showing up late to a meeting or missing a deadline.  It might be not being at their door during passing periods or forgetting to leave lesson plans when absent.  

Instead of judging them, talking about them, or complaining about them, take the time this week to understand why they are acting the way they are.  

Lastly, when you are out at a dinner party or the neighborhood pool, and someone asks about what it is like to work in public education, tell the story of this ONE kid and ONE teacher.  

The second part of my blog is telling the story.  

We are in control of our narrative.  

What we say matters.  Often, we are our own worst enemy when talking about our narrative.  Telling the story of that one kid allows the community to understand all that is great in our public schools.  

So this week, instead of taking to social media to voice how tired you are as an educator, tell the story about that ONE kid or that ONE teacher.  We have so many wonderful stories that need to be told.