As a teacher, I know that as the year draws to a close, I (as do others I am sure) ensure that my students begin their reflection process.  What goals set, have been achieved? What hasn’t been achieved for them?  How has my work enabled them to achieve these goals, or perhaps not?  What might they need to focus on next?  How can they do this?

Today, there are so many ways that this can be done; through a class website, where goals and reflections might be transparent, which certainly brings with it the accountability factor; through the use of a survey (survey monkey, moodle or the like); hand written (of course); and so on.

In the process of student reflections, I have also taken to ensuring that I receive feedback from my students. Let’s face it, they are our clientele, our audience.  If we are not serving their needs, then what point is there really? Now, I have completed the surveys for the year, and it is reaffirming to know that I have improved as the year progressed.  It appears (from my latest survey) that I have addressed the needs more effectively, of all of my students.  The reason I point this out is because, earlier in the year, I discovered, although it should not have been a shock to me, that there were some girls who didn’t feel I provided them with all that they needed.  If my aim as a middle years (specialist) is to meet the needs of all of my students, then this was just the feedback I needed.  It was my goal to build a stronger relationship with all of my girls – 30 of them in a Year 9 Integrated Studies class.  This was my second year with them, and I know that if any of them felt that I was not doing everything in my power to connect with them, to guide them and to assist them in their learning, then, they just wouldn’t progress and maybe not succeed.  So, as I said, mission accomplished.  My report card was much improved and I have to say, that each and every one of those beautiful girls left me with a smile, a tear, a hug and even if they didn’t excel in their grades, I know that I have left them some sort of legacy.

When you hear from a girl, those notes on their card to you, “you’re the best”, “I will never forget you”, “you helped me so much”, “I am so grateful”, well that so reinforces the importance of those relationships.  “You can’t teach a child you don’t know well” of course is true.  The bonds and relationships built are paramount to the success of the lessons we teach, and ultimately the engagement of the learner and the learning that may occur.

So, my story is about feedback, and the power that we as teachers have.  We can make or break a child’s spirit and we have such an impact and influence on them.  I have read before those inspirational stories written by other teachers and wondered about my impact.  I do know that I have connected with many students and hopefully provided some inspiration.  Now, for whatever reason, these last few years for me have been “big” and I feel that just maybe I am making a difference.  I’m not sure why, but there you go. Is it my passion for learning, or passion for teaching, or just my love of connecting?  Whatever, it is working, and I am so pleased.

So for my end of year reflection and anecdote – here goes….

It was a week or so after school had finished for the girls, and accustomed as we as a Learning Group (which is what we call our middle years classes) were of emailing drafts to a fro, of my sending information to the girls (online), of my communicating my pride in what they had accomplished, (or not); of the girls asking me for help, or some question; or to tell them that I needed them to challenge themselves more, or work harder on something; be focused, and so on, to my surprise, there were a few emails from my students, and one stood out  – SUBJECT Re: Diary of Anne Frank.  I thought, “Oh, really, is she still reading that novel?”, then realised, that she was clearly making sure she got my attention, and so I opened the email.  Now, this girl is one of my higher achievers; yes, and we did connect; yes, but never have I been so affected by someone’s words.  She told me that it was “to be a report card of sorts, an essay if you like – albeit unedited”.  (And an essay it was).  She also noted that, “I was not to edit it and return it to her, but to take it as was”.  (I did let her know that it didn’t really require much work;  I actually would publish it if I was her!)

In her letter, she referred to so many aspects of the learning that had occurred during the two years we had together. She referred to experiences we had as a class and on a personal level; she had taken such time to think about the journey we had, which reinforced so strongly, the impact that I must have had on her!  This, to me, summed up my year. I felt it. I believe it has been a successful (and rewarding year).  I know I am still on track – 30+ years into my career.  I refuse to stand still.  I will continue to challenge myself. I can hear the words of so many great educators like Dr Rita Pierson who knew that every student could be educated and the art of teaching is to find the best way of doing that. “Every child,” she said, “deserves a champion who will never give up on them… and insists they become the best they can possibly be.” That, by the way, was pretty much our class mantra (everything to the best of your ability).

So, what is my point? 

Whether we get the “report card” or not, it might just be a quick hug, or a look, but we do have an amazing power as a teacher.  And, it is essential that we are passionate about what we do.  They (the students) know if we’re not!

Relationships are at the heart of what we do.  Our aim is to ensure success for our learners, on whatever level that is for them, but ultimately, it is to make a difference in their lives and to connect with them.