Advice to My Sister...

As you start your first day teaching 6th grade science, after 5 years of teaching another grade in another state, I know you'll do well. Coming in mid year is a challenge for any teacher, but especially since these students have had 4 different temporary teachers so far this year. You mentioned "earning their respect", and I've thought about that phrase ever since. I've been an educator for over 35 years now, many as a classroom teacher, but also as a principal. I'm not sure you actually "earn" student respect--I think the power of your position, your "side of the desk" so to speak gives you instant respect. I think that you can increase that level of respect, but mostly I think the respect is yours to lose if you are not careful.

Don't define your students by their circumstances. Every student who walks through your door deserves the same high expectations and your focused attention to keep their learning on track. Don't talk about your students outside of class--even to those who don't know them and never will. Doing so is using their circumstances to bring attention to yourself. You are using them. Fight the urge to share details of your students' home lives or misfortunes. You are doing them a subtle and sinister disservice--it means you don't see them as equal and you don't expect as much. It means you are defining them by their circumstances. I'm sure you are shaking your head.

Take a minute each day. One minute. Ask yourself if you expected less of any of your students that day. Don't confuse "meaning well" with "teaching well". Honesty is the highest form of respect. Resolve not to give anyone a "break"; give them extra help; give them a fair chance to excel. No one really wants a "break", because later in life, they will have toe the line and you'll have taught them the line is negotiable. It's OK if some kids have to work a little harder. Help them. Help them by having high expectations for their success. Help them by being observant and by talking to every student, every day. Make eye contact--and hold it for a little extra time. Subtle, but successful. The 3 R's in my book are rigor, relevance, and relationships, usually in reverse order!

At 6th grade, they are only half way through their public school education. It's a very important year. And you can really make a difference.