A conversation with a fellow teacher reminded me of a letter I wrote to one of my students a few years ago. It appears we had shared similar experiences of ego-centric students asking us if they were our favorite. That same day, I watched a series of adult interactions and realized the same things were at play. Age isn’t a sure cure for a competitive nature or insecurity. As we seek a truer professionalism, the advice I gave my fourth grade student not long ago is sound for many of us today:
In our little classroom, there is space for twenty-some best students. Some come every day, others peek in for a minute, a lesson, or an afternoon. They’re usually not all present at once, but sometimes a whole bunch come together. I love those days. On those days, the best student learns, loves, and grows. The best student shows respect, gives best effort, shows encouragement and loves learning. The best student listens with keen ears and an open heart. The best student is prepared more often than not and more often than others. The best student is ready to learn and willingly reflects her understanding. He knows the difference between arguing and discussing. She senses when and when not to do either. The best student smiles early and often. The best student is friends to everyone, but doesn’t require the approval of anyone. She is the example. The best student teaches his teacher. He understands that a teacher is a cheerleader and a coach, not a boss, not a judge. The best student figures out routines quickly. He learns to enjoy the questioning more than the answering. The best student sets high expectations for herself. The best student makes me proud, but makes himself prouder. He doesn’t require a teacher to learn, but he values learning from his teacher. The best student is organized. The best student is responsible, accountable, remarkable, memorable, and most of all, unstoppable.
The best student “gets it”, so she doesn’t have to worry about being the best student.