"They may not remember what I taught, but they'll always remember how I made them feel." - Casey (W/O Sept. 22)

     Last week, I had my first observation. I had told every period that my observer was coming and that he would be here during 4th period. 4th Period came, and my observer hadn't arrived yet. He arrived about halfway through 4th period due to unforseen circumstances, and he needed to stay for my 5th period to see the first portion of my class. My first thoughts were, "Oh no! I told my 5th period (6th graders!) that he would be gone by the time they arrived! They are going to be terrible!" I just knew I was going to fail because of them! The school has recently started a new procedure where I have to go to the end of the main hall to monitor each of the students as they're walking down the hall due to a safety concern, so I was in the hallway unable to tell my students that my instructor was still here. This was the first day we were doing this, so I anticipated a little bit of wild behavior when they entered my room because I wasn't able to be close to the door to direct them. When it was time to enter the classroom after monitoring the hall, I dropped my head and walked that "long" walk to my room. To my amazement, I found my students sitting in their desks working on their "Daily Dose" (Set Induction). They were absolutely perfect and remained so during the entire lecture. When my observer left the room, we all let out a big sigh of relief to which they quickly exclaimed, "We were so good for your teacher, weren't we?! Why didn't you tell us he would be here?!" That moment showed me how much they want to please me and the relationship I have with them. 
     Another time last week, we had a student who tends to struggle with authority try to break a rule in the hallway. A teacher he had not developed a good rapport with quickly reprimanded him in the hall, to which he was promptly disrespectful. I stepped in and spoke to the student about his behavior, what was wrong, and why it was wrong. He quickly said, "Yes ma'am" and took the punishment I had given him (which was to state what he did wrong and write the teacher he was disrespectful to an apology letter.)
     Another student I had a poor relationship with last year has developed a positive relationship with me during this term. He is a completely different student for me, and he and I even conferenced to discuss this change. We discussed with each other how our relationship has changed and what has changed within the past year. He is responsible, respectful, and one of the stronger students in the classroom since he and I started off on a new foot this year, so to speak. 
     Since day 1, my care has been more about building relationships with the students more than teaching them about healthcare science. I am so grateful to say that I have more "good" days than "bad" days. When it comes down to it, I am proudest that I am developing strong positive relationships with my students. The saying is true when they say, "Students may not remember what you've taught, but they'll always remember how you made them feel." I always want them to remember how I've made them feel. I believe the soft skills that I can teach them now will help them throughout their careers.