Being Present for your Students

April 20, 2011

Being Present for your Students

I have been trying to think of a topic that would be inspirational to all who read this blog this week. After being inspired to write about being winners for your children, students and yourselves…it is pretty hard to come up with something better or more interesting than that. That is why it has taken me so long to get something published on the blog.

I have been using the book, “TEACHER THERAPY” by Karen Katafiasz for my motivational quotes in my morning announcements for my faculty and staff. The last few days have all been about taking care of yourself- physically, mentally, and emotionally so that you can be present for your students to attend to their needs. There is something to being in a state of mind to be present for your students. I know I have a hard time attending to the needs of my staff when I am not in the right frame of mind to be present at that moment. It is hard for me to be supportive to them when I have not dealt with my own “stuff”.

This time of year is especially important to be present for your students and for each other. This is the end of year boiling point for a lot of us. We have End of Grade Tests, End of year conferences, budget issues, final evaluations, and a million other things that goes into closing out a school year. What are you doing or will you do to take care of yourself so you can finish out the year in good shape? What can you do to help your students not be fearful of the end of year responsibilities?

One of the things I use is a daily devotional to uplift me every morning. So, I can come in on a positive note. I have also started walking a lot in the evenings. I have found that while I am walking, I can deal with my “stuff”, leave it on the road, and be present for my staff and students the next day. It usually works…but not every time. So, I have to pull from my bag of tricks to help me be able to let go of my stuff long enough to tend to my staff and student needs.

Turn to each other for help and support. Laugh at yourself, laugh with the kids, lighten your load, and be present each day for the next 10 weeks. You need it, your kids need it, and the school needs it. Find what works for you to be present every day with your students and with each other. We need each other now more than ever.

Have a great day.