Trish Prentice
September 14, 2012
I jumped in the car the other morning to run a few errands, turned on the radio, and tuned in to my favorite talk show. The topic for discussion centered on "your most embarrassing moment." A caller to the show shared an interesting story in which she played a pivotal role.
One day while attending a convention-sized meeting, she watched the upcoming speaker head for the podium just a few feet from her seat. Unfortunately, the presenter tripped and fell flat on the floor while the audience let out a worried gasp. The kind caller quickly ran to the woman's side and found the speaker a bit dazed. She knelt down and whispered in the woman's ear, "You are not alone. I am here to help you." She gently put her arm around the presenter and helped her sit up. The speaker then relayed how embarrassed she was. The caller told her, "I have a plan. We are going to stand up together, put our hands up in the air and say Ta-Da!" The speaker leaned on the caller and they did just that. In an instant, the tension was broken, everyone laughed and life returned to normal.
What a gift the caller gave the presenter that day. This was an act of kindness that will never be forgotten by the speaker and most likely, all the radio listeners that day.
I can't get this story out of my mind. It reminds me of what teachers do every day at school. Children make mistakes; some children make a lot of mistakes. We want to be ready to stand by their side and say, "It's okay, we can fix this." Maybe it will happen while struggling to read a book or spell a word. Maybe it happens on the playground or in the cafeteria. I know I want my students to trust that I will support them. I'll give them a hand to get back up and try again.
Teachers are "wired" to help children. It's why we became teachers in the first place. But let's make sure we "wire" ourselves to help our colleagues as well. Let's face it; teachers make mistakes too. We don't always say the right thing. Occasionally, we do something we wish we could "do over" a different way. This is a tough job and we are only human. So if we have the opportunity to help a colleague fix a problem and stand up and say "Ta-Da," let's do it. After all, by supporting the teacher next door or down the hall, we touch the lives of the children in their classrooms too. Nice work!
Parents! This is a group that possibly needs a kind, caring ear more than any other. It's a job that might be even harder than teaching because it never ends, ever! Let's be gentle with our parents. Most are doing the best they can with what they know. Many parents could use the encouraging words, "You are not alone. I am here to help." Work your teacher magic and make a difference.
It's a new year. Let's all set a goal to never let a "Ta-Da" opportunity slip away. Be on the lookout for a chance to help. This is your school, these are your students, your families, your co-workers, your friends. We need each other. We can support each other. Ta-Da!