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Being a Rock Star
I have to admit, I never wanted to be a rock star. For anyone who knows me, I really just don't fit the bill. I have no punk, no attitude, no anything that is needed to be a rock star. I laugh even just thinking about jumping into a crowd of people and body surfing.
Today was day one of two for my end-of-instruction testing. I hate the name of the test. What do you think I'm going to do for the next 20 school days? Let the kids sleep??? Anyway, it was a long day of just trying to dot my i's and cross my t's as I try to get all of my paperwork just right and not lose my teaching license in the process. (FYI, I did make a couple of minor errors, but nothing that I'd lose my license over.) I was really feeling a bit insecure today during the test, the test that I am NOT allowed to see even though 25 students in my room are taking, when I noticed things that I wasn't sure that I had reinforced enough recently. It's not like I saw the exact questions, but when there are big graphs on the page and you look up, there they are and you can't help but seeing them.
Near the end of my fourth hour, a student signals me over and gives me a note. Before even taking it, I asked to make sure she wasn't giving me a question from the test, and she wasn't. Her note reads as follows:
When I read that, I can't even tell you how amazed and touched that I was. I was thrilled that she felt well-prepared, especially since she isn't a stellar student. I was truly impressed that she went back and thoroughly checked her work. But, when I re-read it, I realized that I liked being a "Math Rock Star." I don't know exactly what that means, per se, but I think it must have something to do with leaving a lasting impression on a person. One of my professional goals at the beginning of the year was to create a safe and effective learning environment; someplace where mistakes can be seen as a component of learning. I knew going into that goal, that I'd never fully accomplish it this year--I have too many moody days where I just don't have enough patience to see that through. But I received "Rock Star" status, at least with one student, and I feel like that is truly reaching and exceeding my goal. Some days I have to wonder why I do what I do, and doubt and inadequacy don't even begin to describe what I feel on those days. That note filled me with the energy, confidence, and sense of being that this math teacher can only imagine a musician (or rock star) feels when they walk out onto the stage. You breathe and in that moment you know why you are alive.
Today was day one of two for my end-of-instruction testing. I hate the name of the test. What do you think I'm going to do for the next 20 school days? Let the kids sleep??? Anyway, it was a long day of just trying to dot my i's and cross my t's as I try to get all of my paperwork just right and not lose my teaching license in the process. (FYI, I did make a couple of minor errors, but nothing that I'd lose my license over.) I was really feeling a bit insecure today during the test, the test that I am NOT allowed to see even though 25 students in my room are taking, when I noticed things that I wasn't sure that I had reinforced enough recently. It's not like I saw the exact questions, but when there are big graphs on the page and you look up, there they are and you can't help but seeing them.
Near the end of my fourth hour, a student signals me over and gives me a note. Before even taking it, I asked to make sure she wasn't giving me a question from the test, and she wasn't. Her note reads as follows:
Miss Davis,
Hi! Well, I'm done with my EOI and I found 5 answers that were wrong when I looked back. But I just wanted to let you know that you're a Math Rock Star. I can't speak for everyone, but I think we were more than prepared and you did your job and I wanted to thank you!
When I read that, I can't even tell you how amazed and touched that I was. I was thrilled that she felt well-prepared, especially since she isn't a stellar student. I was truly impressed that she went back and thoroughly checked her work. But, when I re-read it, I realized that I liked being a "Math Rock Star." I don't know exactly what that means, per se, but I think it must have something to do with leaving a lasting impression on a person. One of my professional goals at the beginning of the year was to create a safe and effective learning environment; someplace where mistakes can be seen as a component of learning. I knew going into that goal, that I'd never fully accomplish it this year--I have too many moody days where I just don't have enough patience to see that through. But I received "Rock Star" status, at least with one student, and I feel like that is truly reaching and exceeding my goal. Some days I have to wonder why I do what I do, and doubt and inadequacy don't even begin to describe what I feel on those days. That note filled me with the energy, confidence, and sense of being that this math teacher can only imagine a musician (or rock star) feels when they walk out onto the stage. You breathe and in that moment you know why you are alive.
posted by Becky Davis | 9:55 PM
5 Comments:
I'm so excited for you! I know that as a teacher, there are just some days when it doesn't seem worth it! But I think we teach not just for love of the subject, but for love of the students. And when a student succeeds, its not just because they were taught the subject material well, but also because they were taught with love. And when students know they're loved, they love back. And THAT is the coolest thing ever!
the goal at the end of my year is that my kids learn their ABC's and their sounds, I'm amazed at all that you are doing and hope to one day reach rock star status myself...guess who's having a baby?
sorry, the website is www.milestogofromhere.com
First, your last sentence is beautiful...but you knew that already. I think it's a really big deal that that particular student thought you were a rock star. I know you've had your challenges, but I think it's a tribute to your efforts that you really are making a difference in your students' lives.
The funny thing about being a rock star, I imagine, is that you are still going to have your moody, impatient, bad days. They don't go away just because you're a "star." But once you step out onto that stage, you choose to let go of those things that are hindering you and press on toward the goal of...woah, that sounds a lot like a Bible verse. :)
Anyway, congrats on the note and your "rock star" status. I know they have both been well earned.
Bec, that's great! I'm glad one of your students showed some appreciation for all the work that you do. And you do have a gift for teaching people. Go beautiful you.
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