It’s not easy, I know. My first year teaching, I had the daughter of my principal in my 8th grade English class. I think that is when I first broke out in hives. I knew that everything I said and did was being discussed at their dinner table each evening. It made me very conscientious about my lessons, my homework, my feedback, and my grading. I was a GREAT teacher that year.
The next year, I did not have any children of colleagues- to be perfectly honest, my teaching practices were not nearly as polished or exciting as that first year. I relaxed, my teaching relaxed, I did not become better- I became lazier. I am so ashamed to admit this, but I am sure there are others like me out there. Right?
Once I began teaching internationally, teachers’ kids were everywhere- in every class. I stepped up my game, but this time, for the RIGHT REASONS. I made sure that there was no room for error, no matter who was in my class. I worked really hard to build strong relationships with my students; I needed their trust, their respect, and their love – families were counting on me. Of course, I’m human, I had my fair share of struggles and “off” days- I learned and grew from them.
In the back of my mind, I began considering these 3 questions:
If my child was in this class…
- would they get it (purpose, instructions, feedback, assessments)?
- would they feel liked, loved, challenged, and happy?
- would they be getting the best effort from their teacher?
Teachers,
I am asking you to ask yourself these questions as often as possible,
if not every day of every year.
And to the teachers of my outspoken children- past, present, and future…
for putting up with us,
for putting up with them,
for giving your heart and soul to teaching and learning.
I would like to leave you with my favorite TED Talk from a truly inspiring teacher. Every day should be Teacher Appreciation Day 🙂
prairielearning 
Amen! (The teaching the children of my colleagues and supervisors, asking ourselves if we are our best teacher selves, and mostly the ‘thank you’ to those that teach my child and all that comes with having her in your room.)
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It certainly isn’t an easy job, but it’s sooo worth it 🙂
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