Page 51 - EdViewptsSpring2019-web

occasional street fight between rival me where I “was” while simultaneously
crews; all on a block in “The Jungle”. challenging me to reach for my limit- When I entered 5th
But even here, deep in “The Jungle”, less potential. grade, I finally met the
there were old and wise sages that I will not name “my” life changing teacher who forever
kept us young children safe. These teacher; as I believe it is important that
sages, mostly women, would sit high each of you reading this realizes you changed my life. Headed
up on porches during the long summer hold the potential to be a positive influ- for what probably could
days, sipping from glasses of iced-tea, ence in the lives of the children you
watching each move we made as we serve. Placing a name to a masterful have been explained as
innocently navigated our complicated work of art can defuse the beholder’s a disastrous educational
environment. I do not think I would belief in replicating or improving upon experience, I desper-
have made it through the summers of a masterpiece. I am very thankful for
my youth if not for the guidance and my 5th grade school teacher because ately needed a teacher
positive reinforcement set forth by of her commitment to nurture me as capable of meeting me
these Guardians of the Summer. a young disengaged learner. Like where I “was” while
During the fall, the beaches emptied The Guardians of the Summer, who
but the school doors opened. Sum- protected me from social distractions simultaneously challeng-
mer vacationers returned to their lives I encountered in my community, this ing me to reach for my
and left the beaches and boardwalks teacher proved to be vigilant in her limitless potential.
vacant and lifeless; this mass exodus approach to creating a classroom
was always a harbinger of the start environment that was physically, Critical Feedback Saves Lives
of a new school year. Like the beach, emotionally, and socially safe for all
the elementary school I attended was students. As a teacher, coach, school I have found over the years that many
about 15 running minutes away from administrator, and parent, there are people struggle with both providing
the housing project where I lived. As a 3 critical elements I hold sacred; I and receiving critical feedback. I have
child, each year I looked forward to the learned each of these 3 elements as discovered most teachers struggle
start of school. Even in my adolescent a child while under the tutelage of my with this challenge in both the profes-
mind, I identified the start of school as 5th grade teacher and the Guardians sional and personal setting. On many
a “rebirth” or an opportunity to “start of the Summer... occasions, adults choose to refrain
over” and be a better student. More 1. Your Words Matter from giving critical feedback in an
importantly, school also provided an 2. Critical Feedback Can be Life effort to remain cordial and maintain
opportunity to leave behind the worries Changing healthy relationships with colleagues,
and stressors of home life. friends, and family members. My life
There were no brown fences at school, 3. We Are Somehow All Connected experiences have led me to believe
but in many instances I could easily Your Words Matter that effectively prescribing and receiv-
sense the disconnection between my Words are things. Words can cut, ing feedback is a learned behavior
neighborhood and the place I called bruise, cure, or heal; teachers and each of us has the power to optimize.
school. It was obvious that many of adults have the ability to speak Thus, teachers have the ability to
the adults working in the building did positive affirmations into the lives of engage young people in learning ex-
not know about “The Jungle”, nor did students. On the other hand, edu- periences replete with receptive and
they realize the sojourn many students cators (adults) can crush dreams, prescriptive feedback protocols.
took each day to arrive at the doorstep extinguish hopes, and soften the I have discovered many of us are timid
of the school. desires of young people. Teachers when it comes to prescribing feedback
Over the years, I have often heard an possess the power to speak positive because we are afraid of an adver-
uncredited quote, “when the student is affirmations into the lives of children sarial reaction from the receiver of the
ready, the teacher/mentor will appear.” each day. As you read this, reflect for intended feedback. This can be the
I entered the 5th grade as a hard to a moment and consider how many case within our own personal relation-
tame 10-year-old who had blazed opportunities you have during the ships as well as the relationships we
through several elementary school day to use phrases such as: have with colleagues and students. It
teachers, leaving them thankful and • You’re brilliant! is important to realize the absence of
relieved to survive my matriculation critical feedback can result in continued
through early elementary education. • You’re on the path to success! failure and missed learning opportuni-
When I entered 5th grade, I finally met • This class wouldn’t be the same ties for both teachers and students.
the teacher who forever changed my without you! Thinking back to my own childhood,
life. Headed for what probably could • I made this lesson just for you! I can recall many instances where
have been explained as a disastrous Just imagine the impact these words I failed to utilize sound judgment
educational experience, I desperately can have on young people. throughout my decision-making pro-
needed a teacher capable of meeting cess. My poor judgment usually led

Educational Viewpoints -49- Spring 2019