The most powerful line of her speech was "kids don't learn from people they don't like". Now isn't that the truth!? Thinking back to my high school experience the classes I excelled in were the ones where I thoroughly enjoyed the company of my teachers. The same trend has followed me to university. Professors who knew how to talk to me outside of class were the ones who earned my respect and therefore my highest effort on assignments. I had a very hard time giving "my all" to those professors who obviously did not care about my success. Rita is so obviously passionate about teaching and the success of her students. Her optimism and kindness shines through as she builds to the climax of her presentation:
"I am somebody. I was somebody when I came and I'll be a better somebody when I leave. I am powerful and I am strong. I deserve the education that I get here. I have things to do, people to impress, and places to go. You say it long enough it starts to be a part of you."
I want this to become a part of my students. I want all my students to leave my classroom feeling powerful. It's hard to critique a presentation that brings out a smile on my face and chills down my back. Rita Pierson does state that it is not an easy venture, to build relationships with students that is, but that "it's not impossible".
No comments:
Follow @kdv3232Post a Comment