Today was Ellie's first day of second grade. As with just about every kid, there is a little bit of trepidation leading up to the first day back. We complicated matters a little this year by being on vacation the week before and missing the "Meet The Teacher" day that was offered. Although we had a name, Ellie had no idea who her teacher was (and neither did we) so this amplified everyone's anxiety.
This morning we got up and took our traditional trip to Waffle House for First Day Breakfast and then we took Ellie to school. After waiting in a long line with kids and parents to enter the school (still unsure of why that was), we took a long walk to the hall on which Ellie's new classroom is located. There, standing outside the doorway, was Mrs. Harris. She was greeting all the kids and parents as they arrived. When it came our turn here is the rough transcript of what was said:
Mrs. Harris: "And who might you be?"
Ellie: "Ellie Brooks"
Mrs. Harris (Bending down and putting arm around Ellie): "Oh Ellie! Mrs. Slaughter (first grade teacher) has told me so much about you. She said you were so smart and kind and attentive. I am really looking forward to having you in class this year."
Ellie (Beaming from ear to ear): "Thank you."
Ellie walked on in and didn't even give us a chance for the long goodbye hug. She had just received exactly what she needed. Paige (now tearing up) and I (handing hanky to Paige) then introduced ourselves to Mrs. Harris and she made sure one of us would be picking Ellie up this afternoon and indicated we could talk more then.
I don't share this in order to brag on Ellie, although I am not above that. I share this to demonstrate and give an example of someone who gets it. I will be sensitive here by saying that Mrs. Harris is more mature then many of the new, young twenty-something teachers that seem to be dotting the landscape of the educational system more and more. (That is a blog in and of itself--- all my teachers were older, weren't yours???) It would appear that she has been there and done that if you know what I mean. I know nothing about Mrs. Harris and have never met her before, but after this morning I know that she gets it.
It is vitally important for all of us, no matter what profession or vocation we are involved with, to understand our role. We must realize and discover how to perform to the highest levels and how to strive to meet and even exceed the expectations that we have for ourselves, as well as, the expectations others have for us. I think one of the highest compliments that we can receive from others is, "He (or she) gets it."
Do you get it?
No comments:
Post a Comment