Sunday’s Reflection: “Be An Example”
As I took my Walk, I thought about how we must be an example.
Last Thursday morning, my student came up to me and said: “Mr.Short, I’m going to be an example today.”
Me(with smile on my face): Ok.
At the end of the school day, she asked me: “Mr.Short, was I an example today?”
Me(smile on my face): “Yes. You were.”
Monday, I named her Student of the Week to highlight the intentional behavior.
My student’s behavior reminded me of why it’s so important to be an example. Others are watching. The ones you influence, lead and don’t lead.
In my role as a teacher, I’ve had the opportunity to be an example to over 100 students…future leaders.
Early on, I’m happy with the results. My students have taken on my personality and character traits.
Take my 2nd group of kids, they truly were Mr.Short’s kids. They were excited about learning, exhibited a growth mindset(I quizzed them.), were higher-order thinkers, super competitive and leaders. Now, they were too hyper and little difficult like me, too.
One of those kids stands out to me. When I first received this child, I told him that I asked for him to be put in my classroom. I told him that the bar had change. It’s gone from here to here(I pulled my hand up.). For the first few weeks, he “pushed back” and wondered why I wanted him in my classroom. After he made a 100 on an assignment, his tuned changed. He started to take his performance seriously. I vividly remember him asking me what he made on his Practice Benchmarks(He wrote his scores on his glass case.). I loved it.
That student made All A honor roll every nine weeks, was identified as GT and got accepted into the magnet school in my former school district.
The biggest victory was when I talked to him the next year. He was talking about projects and going to a museum. In my mind, I’m thinking is this the same kid who brushed back against me and got put out of a school.
His mom told me that she pushed him, but maybe he needed a male influence. I was an example to him. He’s competitive now, too. He was incredulous that some of my students last year were comfortable with making 60’s and 70’s.
This year, I’ve had a similar effect on my scholars. They’re excited about learning, thinking higher-order and becoming leaders.
One student Imposed Her Will. Another student wants to Be An Example. And this week, a third student put others before himself.
How?
Wednesday, it was “Mustache Day” for Red Ribbon Week. Knowing that some of his classmates might not have a mustache, he brought extras for them. He’s not quite where I want him to be yet, but his act of kindness and thoughtfulness is good start.
Throughout the rest of the school year, my kids will continue to grow, mature and evolve.
While they’re doing it, I’m going to Be An Example.
I leave you with two things.
1. Who follows your example?
2. Is it a good one?
Say Back.
1. What did you like about the Reflection?
2. What do you want to know more about?
Application: Write down three ways you can be a better example to those you lead.
Jeremiah Short, Educator
The Phenomenal Student 