Yesterday was declared the official "last day of school". What does that really mean? In New Jersey, it means we have come to the close of another 180 days of structured learning. I still ask; is it ever really over? I hope the answer is - ABSOLUTELY NOT! We (children and adults) should be learning at all times. Learning should not be limited to the structured setting of schools. Learning should take place anywhere and anytime. Yes, we all need some downtime but, that should be very brief. This brief moment is just to regroup, plan, set goals, and determine one's purpose. During our last few days together, my students share their summer plans with me. There were plans to travel to Haiti to visit family, sail on a cruise as part of a family reunion, riding bikes in the neighborhood with friends, spend time on a farm in Portugal, or go swimming at the community pool. As I listened to their plans and watched the excitement on their faces, my mind raced to seeking the learning possibilities for them all. Sharing the joy of lifelong learning opportunities with them brought me a sense of accomplishment. It felt as if that was my ultimate goal - to help them understand that learning is everywhere. This is where the ever popular "background knowledge" is birthed. They will have inner experiences to write about and make text connections with during reading. Yes, I want them to read during the summer and journal during the summer but, most importantly I want them to let life be their teacher. I know I intend to learn as much as I can too!
Today I sit and listen to my students eagerly share in the World Language lesson. I observe and notice their excitement when they remember correct responses, show pride when they speak a word or phrase correctly in Spanish, and listen to their teacher intently. I am also thinking deeply about the role I play in their lives. A few years ago, I was proudly recognized as Teacher of the Year. It was a totally unexpected honor and display of respect by my administration and peers. I always worked hard and spent many hours perfecting my craft. The goal was never to be recognized for my efforts by others but, to be able to see the fruits of my labor in the success of my students. I define that success by the individual growth. The growth could be academic, behavioral, or social. When I meet students in September, I see a blank canvas. I do not look at previous notes from their teachers in earlier years, listen to or consider comments made by those that may have known them in the past, or search for outside opinion. In the early days and weeks, I spend time getting to know them for myself, establishing rapport with them, and gaining their trust. Later when I review their past history, I am usually surprised at the findings because they have evolved or matured into different beings. I like to think my method removes an entry point for any prejudgments or biases. Thus as I reflect on this moment, the conclusion of this day, my previous recognitions, and the coming to the close of another year I have to wonder if I am fulfilling my purpose.
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