When I was going to 5th grade, I heard my 4th grade teacher tell my new one to “Watch out for this kid.” That following school year, I sensed a target on my back, all because of what my old teacher told my new one. At 9 yrs old, I felt like I was guilty before I’d done anything.
No matter what good I did that 5th grade year, I could tell that my teacher still always viewed me as “the troublemaker.” I was never given the chance to prove myself as a good student—again, because my 4th grade teacher told my story for me, instead of letting me tell it.
Thankfully, I cared more about what my mom thought of me, and of how I viewed myself, than about how I appeared to my 4th & 5th grade teachers. I wasn’t the perfect student, but even then, I knew I was no “troublemaker,” or one to “watch out for.” #KnowYourWorth
17 years later, and now I’M the 5th grade teacher. Being new to the school, I have no idea about any of my incoming students, so many of the teachers (who are genuinely trying to be helpful), tell me the 411 on each kid, and offer their opinions on their behavior & performance.
Right before the school year begins, one of my scholars asks me: “Have you heard all the bad things about me?”
I stretch the truth a bit and say, “Not really.” Then I follow up with, “I actually don’t care what others have to say about you. What do YOU want me to know?”
As someone who had probably experienced YEARS of old teachers telling her new ones to “watch out for her,” this scholar lit up at my offer to listen to her tell her story in her own way. She began rattling off every positive thing about herself she could think of! It was awesome!
Though we had a touching moment then, that doesn’t mean everything went perfectly 😂 . That scholar and I had a roughhh year 🙃🙃🙃, but only because of what she chose to do or say in class—NOT because of some perception I’d gotten of her from what others had said about her.
This is why giving people the time, space, and opportunity to tell their own story is so important! It’s not fair to someone if we only listen to the narrative another person paints of them. Instead, let’s give people their own canvas, palette, and brush, and watch them work.
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
1. #RelationshipsMatter. 2. Practice procedures persistently. 3. Always explain your “Why.” 4. Locate “leaders” then lead them. 5. Be okay with crazy, (sometimes).
If you’re able to reach your students and prove that you respect who they are, this generally will translate into them respecting how you run your classroom. They’ll want to do right by you, because they know you care for them.
Practice Procedures Persistently
You must practice your classroom procedures nonstop at the start of the year, & also, randomly throughout. Expectations must be made clear, leaving no room for, “I didn’t know.” Practice until you hear groans & complaints, then, practice again!
“Love is waking up at 5:30. Just so you can get to school bright & early. Get a few sips of ya coffee, then print a few copies,
‘fore we all start walkin’ in.”
“It’s your smile in the morning.
And the way you make every child feel important.
With a hug, high five, or a handshake.
New things to learn from ya, so I can’t wait.”
Love is keeping snacks in ya room...
In case I get hungry, or I lose my lunch money, again!
Lending me a pencil or a pen,
and you don't get mad if I don't bring it back — that’s love.”
Hey, what’s up, y’all. I’m Mr. Reed, I teach 5th grade on the west side of Chicago, and my theme/hype song would be Rock with You by Michael Jackson! #cravenedchat
A1: To create a culture which uplifts scholars, always speak the truth and challenge them in love, but season your words with grace. If honesty is cultivated in the room, students will feel safe enough to accept hard truths because they know they’re given in love.
A2: To develop leaders, it’s important to first expose them to different experiences, then note where & how they shine. Everyone will display their skill set differently—the trick is picking up on where one shines, then giving them chances to repeat their success.
I feel as if it’s fair to spend a little time speaking candidly about race in education, don’t you? There are so many with questions, and others, anxious to use their voice. Educators, let’s come together in order to grow together. #EduColor
While there are a myriad of needs to address, I will primarily be speaking about the Black experience in education - both as a scholar, and an educator.
Others, feel free to chime in with any thoughts, experiences, perspectives, and questions.
Where to start?
Ahh... Racism is America’s oxygen. All of us breathe it in. No one is untouched by it. Our country was built on the principles & evil practices of it. Every American system and institution has been poisoned by racism, including the school system.