This month I am sharing stories from
classrooms in Berwyn South District 100.
Day 13: Character Matters with Theresa Sievers (3rd at Komensky)
Character matters. Standard 3 in the Common Core is all about character development, and it sure matters. Is it because it is carries a large portion of the questions on the PARCC? No.
Character matters.
Characters matter.
Do you see the difference there?
This post is not about teaching RL 3, but rather being an example of RL 3. The greater goal in teaching students about characters in the books they read is to develop them as humans in the real world. To read books about different characters, and see their struggles and motivations, and how they react to different situations in life, helps our students learn about how to show empathy and persistence and hope. Reading about characters in books helps us develop our own character as people.
Day 13 is focusing on a classroom in a different way. This post is not about instructional technique, but rather instructional integrity. Theresa Sievers is a teacher who believes in the power of a smile, so much so that the smiley face has become her symbol. She has been there for her coworkers for 28 years in D100, with both a listening ear and an occasional piece of chocolate. She is the kind of teacher who embraces spirit days for their playfulness, yet values instructional time and has high expectations for her students. She is there when you need support.
What I love about Theresa (in addition to her chocolate supply) is her constant willingness to learn and grow. She has reached out many times solely for the purpose of being the best educator she can be. She has invited me to her team meetings with open arms, because she believes that we are better together. I happen to believe that, too.
Education is a demanding profession. We all need to know who our Theresa Sievers are in the school(s) we teach in. Professionally, they model kindness and a growth mindset, all in one package. But, they also model it for our kids. Character matters. How we treat people matters. Theresa, thanks for treating others with kindness always. Even today, when you weren't feeling all that great.
Teachers matter.
Plus, your kids are learning a ton. :)
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