No One is Unimportant

As teachers, there will be many people we interact with during this incredible journey. There are so many people that help make the school run and ensure that each student is able to learn. For the next few blogs, I would like to explore interactions with some of these groups of people. As for this blog, I would like to hit the highlights of the topic.

Let’s start with the understanding that each and every individual that is a part of this journey we call school is important. Administrators, students, parents, teacher colleagues, other staff at the schools (secretaries, paras, custodians, etc.) all play a part in the overall running of the school, which in turn ensures the proper education of the students. Just like your body does not function at full capacity if one part is not working well, the school will not be as effective if any one person is not able to do their part.

It can be easy to fall into the trap of feeling as if no one understands how important your job is. You want to be valued for what you do, and that is understandable. The key is to remember that everyone is important. Each and every person you interact with and work alongside helps shape your students to become all that they can be. They each deserve to be respected and valued for their position and the work they do. You may even be surprised at what some of them can teach you. Not everyone who takes what might be considered a lower position is less qualified than you. Your teacher colleagues and administrators will have insight from a different perspective to help you grow. Parents can give insight into their child even if it is not the insight you might hope for.

Your challenge for today is to choose one person that you work with on this journey. Make a list of all that they do to help you educate your students. How do they help make your job easier? What are things that you can learn from them? Part of this challenge is to think outside the box. Try not to pick your teacher bestie, but instead choose someone who would give you a new appreciation for your fellow laborers. As we go through the next couple of weeks, I hope we can all find value in all the people who make school a place of safety and learning.