How Do I Define Teacher?

To me, a teacher is an individual within the school who brings people together and inspires others. They value the expertise and experiences of their teams and help build trusting relationships with all stakeholders while they model effective strategies, share knowledge, and influence positive change in their school community. An effective teacher has a full classroom of attentive learners who set goals and persevere toward success.

What Are My Underlying Beliefs?

I believe that every student in my classroom is capable of academic growth and social emotional growth, and that they are related. I hold them all to high expectations through a lens of equity, and want to do what it takes to help each student reach their goals. I believe we need to teach students to advocate for themselves by providing accommodations that help them realize their potential and encourage all students to level up. I always try to empathize with my colleagues and students’ families, their busy schedules and the necessity to balance work life with home life. I am continuously learning how to keep my own frustrations out of the classroom and the leadership community in order to remain solution oriented and keep the environment joyful and enthusiastic. I think that enthusiasm for learning is contagious, and vital to creating an atmosphere where experience and learning can be a joyful journey.

What Core Values Influence My Beliefs About Teaching?

I have a passion for creativity, cultural heritage and traditions. I have adored fine art and literature from a young age and grew up in a library and under the front desk of a bookstore. I think that perspective helps us build compassion for others, and that experience and literacy are essential to build perspective. I also believe in powerful collaborations that foster grateful hearts and nurture a community so that it can grow strong together.

Good leaders, and teachers, will make this journey enjoyable and productive. I think that a mindset of gratitude leads to an environment where challenges are met with perseverance, resilience and joy–humor in our daily lives–to uplift, empower, and bring a sense of purpose to the educational experience. I once took an entire college course on opportunities. I don’t recall the course title because as a life-long learner it was quite a while ago, but I bring it up now because a good teacher not only has learned to recognize opportunities, but to help others see them, too. Aguilar (2010) writes, “And for those who are interested in assuming leadership, my advice is to try all the opportunities presented, listen up for colleagues who are nudging you along, and don't be afraid to take risks -- that's what it's all about.” I would go so far as to say identifying opportunities is a super power that teachers strive to possess. That and the ability to create more time in a day!

The Greeks created a god named Kairos to humanize this thing that draws us toward one way or another calling it “luck” or “opportunity” who is often pictured with Kronos, the god of time, because the passing of time causes opportunities to be lost. Time is always getting in the way of opportunity! This is one reason why attendance is important and it is directly related to student progress/success. I believe a deep understanding of opportunity and time are beneficial to teachers and learners. I try to take Aguilar’s advice and “listen up!” Remain open to connections, build trust, expertise and relationships that foster the opportunity to persevere toward our goal of educating our students.

This is a long entry. If you have taken the time to read it I hope that you have a come to the end with a better understanding of why I love to teach. The opportunity to come to school and work with a great community of teachers and learners makes my heart happy! In Pam Ryan's historical fiction novel, Esperanza Rising, Abuelita says, "In life, there are mountains and valleys!" and so, finally, I think we should all give each other and ourselves a little grace as we struggle through the highs and lows to learn and persevere toward our goals together.

Heart Art! Students practiced symmetry, angles, and painting techniques with this project. Ask your students questions about angles.

We will be having a Valentine exchange. Students may choose to bring a valentine if they would like to.

Please, follow these instructions:

1. Include enough for everyone in the homeroom class. (30)
2. Only write your name in the "from" part of the Valentine.
3. Please, do not include a name in the "to" part. This significantly speeds up the process of handing out these fun Valentines!

(This is separate from the $1 candy grams being sold by the Middle School Student Council.)

Dear Families,

Place an order of $25 or more and you can pick a FREE $5 book (use code READS at checkout).

• Family Order Due Date: 02/28/2025
• Shop Our Class Page: https://orders.scholastic.com/R23LK
• Shop Flyers: https://clubs.scholastic.com/all-flyers

Invite relatives and friends to help your child discover the joy of reading when you share our class page link. Every order benefits our classroom, helping me earn FREE books and resources that every child can enjoy.

Thanks so much for your support!

SARAH MEAD

HERITAGE COMMUNITY CHARTER SCH

Consider using the scholastic book order as a reward to celebrate when your kiddo perseveres to reach a goal or is exhibiting HCCS Core Characteristics!