Thedewsperspective

How did I become a teacher?

After some time of trying to figure it out, I decided to just be me.  That’s when I began to unquestionably show up as my true and authentic self.  I introduced myself as more than just a teacher of content.  I learned to unify my paid expectations organically with just being Cornell.  

I began to make connections with students, parents, and community by being unguarded.  And by sharing my life with the lives I was entrusted with.  My teaching started to reach beyond classroom walls.  I taught without boundaries.  I saw the whole child.  But just as important, I allowed my students to see me in my entirety.  

I shared my personal dreams with my students.  I acknowledged my shortcomings and things I’d do differently.  With the hope that I could encourage them by sharing trappings to avoid.  I introduced my students to my family.  We became family.  I engaged my female students in the same manner I did my own daughters.  I called my male students “son.”  A term of endearment.  A statement of relationship.  

I worked extremely hard.  I thoroughly understood the content.  I created afterschool, summer school and Saturday school programs.  I introduced chess to my students.  I had Chess Clubs.  

I aligned myself with like minded Educators and community leaders.  I made myself accessible to students and their families.  Long after the dismissal bell rung.  I made my classroom comfortable, welcoming and engaging.  In addition to the mandated materials required to adorn my walls and occupy space inside my classroom.  I imported family portraits.  

I had chessboards set up in my classroom.  I had African art on my walls.  Sometimes I had African drums present.  I had a radio.  And I’d play all the different types of music I love.  I had mirrors in my classroom.  For students to see themselves and fix themselves when need be.  I had affirmations, words of encouragement located around my classroom.  

I did my best to engulf my classroom with love.  I talked to my students.  I engaged in conversations about them, about me, about life.  I held my students accountable.  I pushed them.  I encouraged them.  I strongly corrected them when fitting.  We laughed in my classroom.  We cried in my classroom.  

I had an open door policy in my classroom. I welcomed parents and family into my classroom. Because I realized that I alone could not do all that was needed for the children. To be most effective, I knew that it’d take a collective effort from all invested adults. I listened to good leadership. I submitted to good leadership and applied the information they gave me. Which ultimately made me a better teacher.

I arrived early and stayed late. I did it all with a smile. And on days that were difficult for me to smile, I was honest and transparent with my students. I wasn’t shy in the classroom. I was brave. I was that way because I wanted to encourage my students to be the same. I modeled the expectations.

I dressed. I wore suits with ties. I wore hard bottom shoes. Sometimes my kids would ask if I was going to church after work. I also wore more casual attire and sneakers. I realized that my choice of attire was a nonverbal form of communication. I was respectful. To myself, my students, their parents, the community and professional peers. I immersed myself in the community.

I became truly invested in the community for which I was given the opportunity and privilege to serve in. Ultimately, I just exhaled, prayed and did.

So as you embark on this new school year and journey as an Educator.  I encourage you to do the same.  

Prayerfully something I said you’ll find useful.  With Love, Mr. Dews