This week, my classroom teacher provided me the opportunity to introduce myself to the Burris faculty by writing a paragraph about me in Owl Pellets, the faculty newsletter. It has been easy for me to forget how big the Burris K-12 environment really can be. I spend most of my time down in the art room. This fact encouraged me to make a personal goal of finding ways to create new alliances outside of the art department.
My classroom teacher was unable to attend a social committee meeting after school one day, so I took her spot as the secretary for that time. While I didn't say much at the meeting, I learned about many of the things the Burris community does for its own, including carry-ins on PBA days retirement dinners, and surprise mailbox treats. I have heard of schools planning activities like this, but I never really reflected upon the effect that such things have on the school environment. There are not too many professions that collectively and consistently provide opportunities to celebrate personal accomplishments or appreciation for others.
One of the criticisms that I have of Principle 10 is that is does not include relationships with students. One of the main reasons I love teaching is that you have the opportunity to meet so many wonderful young people. Even the ones who are...not so wonderful...challenge me to face my weaknesses. My second weekly goal for week two was to spend a lot of time identifying my students be name. Miss Berry, Burris' vice principal, is probably one of the most extraordinary people I have ever met. She says hello to each student she sees in the hall and can call almost all of them by name. A name seems like such a small thing, but I am learning that it is a big deal to students. Already in my second week, I have learned that you do not want to get a name wrong. While my students have been kind in correcting me sometimes, I can tell in their eyes that they want to be recognized. To make my task of learning ten classes of twenty students each more of a challenge, many of them were allowed to switch seats this week.
Flexibility is the key to teaching.
My third goal for week two involved blue, gold, and a lot of cheering! I wanted to really tap into the school spirit of Burris by attended a sporting event. Dressed in my brand new Burris Owls t-shirt, I met my classroom teacher at a middle school basketball game and helped her sell tickets to fans. This was a great opportunity to meet the families of students and greet members of the community. Mrs. Stokes, my classroom teacher, informed me that she knew almost everyone on the middle school teams.
I am constantly learning new things from her, but I think this week she taught me to hold on to the faces that I see each day. I could tell that many of the students recognized her presence at the game and appreciated her support.
