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There’s something about working in education that leads to misunderstanding, frustration, and sometimes taking things out on other people. There’s something about education that leads otherwise friendly and kind people to try out new low behaviors. I am speaking for myself first and observing second.
Photo by Kyle Glenn on Unsplash
For 4 years, I worked in a liaison role in my school. I was often a sounding board, a confidant, a peer, and on occasion, a champion. I say, on occasion, because I work with an outstanding group of educators who rarely need me to speak on their behalf. The sounding board, the listening, the “being there” were the true aspects of the role.
Here’s what I found in those 4 years: sometimes educators raise themselves to the level of the children. The children who are still working through the complications of social situations. The children who are still forming executive functions to manage their lives both in and out of school.
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May I bring a full heart and open ears to every interaction. Listen first, listen second, and then maybe, just maybe, speak. -Justin McRoberts & Scott Erickson
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