You Matter, Don't Give Up, and Crying in Public

Today was the conclusion of an awesome event organized annually by staff and students called Words Hurt Week. During the week of Words Hurt there are many offerings and messages that are important to be heard. Read more about it at this great article covering the event.

What more can I say or write that my coworkers haven't already said beautifully. This moment was cathartic and profound.

He reached out to us and asked teachers to hear the same message we had heard from the bleachers. The staff made its way down to stand lined up together, many already with wet eyes and damp cheeks. What happened next was magic, and I can't do it justice but here are the take-aways.

"DON'T GIVE UP" 

Terrence Talley shared a personal story about his journey and the impact an educator had on him. Teachers needed to hear it, brought me to tears of inspiration. some time we can't see the forest for the trees. He talked to those of us that have thought about leaving the profession for 'greener' pastures. He talked to those of us that have struggles that we don't get to share with the world.

"YOU MATTER"  

The work that we do on a daily basis means changing and saving lives even though we may not always feel it. I know lately, there have been times were I have felt introspective. While reading and doing a self-evaluation on the Danielson Framework for teaching and felt pangs of guilt rationalizing some of my ratings as 'two - basic'. I teach students that are complex human beings, but I wouldn't change it for the world. Some students and I shared profound moments in our mini-teacher student conferences this week, and in conversations held informally. I  and the work I do is more than a rating on a framework.

"EVERY STUDENT MATTERS" 

They need to know, and they need to hear it, and even at the high school students need to feel it. A student may be able to really trust a teacher and open up but there are boundaries that aren't usually crossed in high school. Our school learned today what a "Dad Hug" is, it turns out some of my students needed it, and I realized that I needed them too. Students need unconditional support as well, and one expression of that is a "Dad/Mom Hug" the way a 5 year old daughter looks to her dad or my four and half year old nephew goes to his mom. Terrence told those students that needed one to come down to their teachers gathered before them and get a hug.

According to some estimates, the hugging and exchanging of affirmations and  went on for 15 powerful minutes.

I couldn't wait to share my positive stories about this week with my family and other coworkers. This is a slice of life that I am going to keep in my fondest memories.

Kazoos and Happiness

Reflecting on the celebration of life that was lived by my dear friend Ms. Katie. I resolve to live with the same light that she brought to the world.

Today there was a beautiful analogy in a presentation for the Words Hurt Week at Appleton East High School. The speaker urges us to light our candle, and use that flame to light others as well by sharing our light. When you share the light it doesn't take away your own, but only spreads to others. Miss Katie had Kazoos at her celebration / funeral and encouraged her friends to play along to songs like "This Little Light of Mine" and "When the Saints Go Marching In".

On my way home from a busy and fulfilling day I reached into my jacket pocket and found a blue kazoo. This blue kazoo has a magical energy about it, it quite literally is plastic happiness. All it takes is humming into the correct end and I become a darn fine musician. I attribute my talent to a musical upbringing and always whistling, that and being involved with choir all my high school years.

Do you think my students will see it coming if I start using the Kazoo in class as an attention signal? If you talk into a Kazoo, it reminds me of how the adults sound in the Peanuts comics. I wonder if that is how some of my own high school students think I sound.

If I have any magical Kazoo moments I might just be putting it on my Instagram that can be found @jeremy_kautz

I was surprised to find that Blue Kazoo even has a social media presence.