The Power of Great Teachers

As my regular readers know, I am making a concerted effort to spend more time in classrooms and with students this year. To that end, in addition to my morning handshaking, monthly folder paper reviews, and 5th grade basketball coaching, I am attempting to observe 50 full-period classes, converse with all Middle School advisories (see November 3rd post about respect and effort), and meet individually with all members of the 8th grade. Although I have only conducted about five of the 8th grade "interviews," a theme is quickly emerging: the power of great teachers. I am asking each student a set of questions, and one of them is as follows: "What has made the Calvert experience special for you?" Thus far, all the 8th graders have immediately mentioned their teachers, all the way back to Pilot Class in some cases. While I am not surprised one bit at their assertion, it is certainly heartwarming to hear from the students what I already knew--that people make Calvert the special place that it is!