There is nothing more important for a teacher than connecting with a child. Learning happens when children feel safe and loved. Therefore, there is nothing more important for a child than connecting with a teacher. Pete Springer says it beautifully.
One of the first pieces of advice I offer new teachers is never to lose focus on the universal lessons they want their students to learn. The primary role of educators is to teach academics, but that shouldn’t be a teacher’s sole concern. While gaining the ability to read, write, do math, and learn to be a critical thinker are crucial to students, equally important are the non-academic lessons.
If any educator is going to connect with their students, children must know that their teacher cares about them as people. How do we do that? By simply being human. I recommend pushing that math lesson aside for a few minutes when a student is hurting emotionally. Let them talk, cry, give them a pat on the back, high five, fist bump, or yes, even a hug when needed. Making time for students is worth…
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A Teacher's Reflections 
Thanks for the reblog, Jennie. I want you to know I had teachers like you in mind when I wrote this piece. Visiting your classroom was one of the highlights of my year. I may have flown across three time zones to get there, but I knew it would be well worth it.
Awww… the moment I read your blog I had to share it and shout out to the world how important it is, and also how wonderful you are. Yes, your visit was the definitely one of the highlights of my year, too. Thank you, Pete.
amen! amen! amen!
😍
I agree that Pete expressed himself beautifully in his essay, which generated a good discussion.
Well said, Liz. Thank you.
You’re welcome, Jennie.
yes, so very right. you and Pete are two of my teaching idols who really get it!
Thank you, Beth! You are definitely one of ‘the group’ who really gets it, too. 😍
Excellent article by Pete!
Yes!!!
Great reblog, Jennie. Pete nailed it!
Best wishes, Pete.
He really did! Best to you, Pete.
Lovely blog. Thank you.
My pleasure. Pete is a model teacher and his post is spot on.
A wonderful post from Pete. Thanks for sharing, Jennie. ❤
I’m glad you liked it as much as I did!
This world seriously needs more teachers like you, Jennie. What a God send you are to those children. A very very dear friend who is now passed was a teacher who held “her” children dear and not many forgot her. You remind me of her which truth be told, puts tears in my eyes. I have fond memories of my second grade teacher who showed me such kindness. A person no matter how old, doesn’t forget teachers, who reached out not only with knowledge, but love as well. God bless you!!
That’s so kind, Amy. Thank you! If I give you fond memories of a friend and also a teacher, that’s wonderful! 🥰
Beautiful!
Thank you, Bette! 🥰
Thanks for sharing all these wonderful experiences. Best wishes, Michael
My pleasure, Michael! Best to you.