Kids don’t learn from teachers they don’t like – Rita Pierson

As an educator, Rita’s points resonated deeply with me. I believe it is MY job to ensure the students feel: heard, validated, and accepted. It’s also my responsibility to be approachable, empathetic, compassionate, humble and yes, apologetic when necessary.

I believe that the more my students “like me”, the better they will perform, for a variety of reasons. The first, is that I lift them up. Think of the “blue eyes, brown eyes” experiment from Jane Elliot. I believe every student has the ability to get an A in my class – as long as they are willing to put in the work, and ask questions. In order to feel comfortable asking questions, they need to feel as if I am approachable. I am approachable, because I am humble, laugh at myself, apologize when I make a mistake, and ensure they get positive feedback.

One of the things I do as soon as class starts, is I check Canvas daily to see who may be falling behind, who may have access issues, and who may be struggling. I reach out to those students immediately to discern the issue – is there appropriate technology at home, do they have the ability to study in a quiet place, or are they working too many jobs to stay up to date. I believe once they know I am interested in their individual success and believe in them, they can do it. I tell all of my students at the beginning of the semester that my job is to get them ALL to the finish line, ideally with A’s.

Question: What does the theme of this video mean to you in terms of being a professional developer?

The theme of this video really dives deep into connection. That at the base of everything, connection is key. As an instructional developer, that would mean adding/recommending components of connection to each course. That it’s not only the content, it’s the passion behind the instruction that important combined with a desire to connect with students.

As a developer, it’s a similar mindset. Educators won’t learn from professional development from folks they don’t like. I have had that experience a few times while doing trainings. One trainer I recall specifically, was presenting on the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC), and she was a survivor. By that point, I had done extensive research on the subject and had worked with CSEC youth for many, many years. In the beginning of her presentation, I asked a question, and she was so rude and condescending I checked out. She had not only lost my interest, but also my respect. That tiny interaction in the first hour of her training, and she lost me. My approach is drastically different. I know I don’t know everything, and I also know people have various viewpoints, opinions, and knowledge. It’s not for me, as a professional developer to act as if I am all knowing – but instead act as if we are learning together, from each other. Having this mindset, allows for the workshops and professional development I am responsible for, as a collaborative effort.