Recently an IslandWood EEC alum, Kelvin Washington, visited our Advanced Instructional Strategies class. Prior to the class he asked us to watch the video I have posted below. This video was one of the most influential videos I have seen. Before you read on, please take a moment to watch it!
https://www.ted.com/talks/rita_pierson_every_kid_needs_a_champion?language=en#t-429601
When I saw this TED Talk I couldn't stop saying YES! Rita Pierson addressed what it truly means to be a teacher. If we don't work to get to know our students, celebrate the small achievements, showing them we are invested in their success, we will see them fail. I believe students can achieve greater success socially and academically if we invest in the relationship.
When Kelvin visited our class he led me to realize the relationship isn't just about what you say, but what you do to help the student feel empowered. It can be something as small as changing the classroom to reflect the students' neighborhoods. By changing the setting in the classroom to reflect their community the students can begin to see themselves as scientists, artists, musicians, etc. within their own community because they are doing science in front of their house. They are creating music near their local store. They see the connection between their learning and their community. But we can't stop there. We must also work to ensure the students see their small achievements as a step toward success. As Rita Pierson says, putting a +2 instead of a -18 can be extremely powerful for a student. They no longer see what they missed, but what they achieved despite the mistakes. What I hope to research further is what this relationship should look like. Rita Pierson and Kelvin Washington showed that the student-teacher relationship is important, but what we did not discuss is what aspects of the relationship are crucial. How vulnerable should a teacher be to help the student open up and share their story? What should you share with your students and what shouldn't we share? I'm hoping by exploring culturally responsive teaching practices, empathy, and social emotional learning I can work to address this question further.