The Journey Inward

Tonight kicked off parent teacher conferences for my district, a time when both parties get to come together as partners to compare notes on our shared child. I love these meetings, as I gain so much insight into my students by looking at and speaking to the bigger version in front of me! In some rare cases, we describe the student in the exact same way, but more often than not, I am saying things that both please and perplex the parents. They haven’t seen their children in that light. They haven’t heard these descriptors attached to their child. There is usually some disbelief and sometimes even a request for proof! Invariably, talk will turn to a sibling or two and there will be a compare and contrast portion.

I love it all and I’m in for the ride! Meeting the people who are most influential on my little ones is a special privilege. I love how we share stories, laugh, and I especially love when I make them cry with a story highlighting their child’s kindness or cleverness.

Tonight did not disappoint. Despite losing more of my voice with each conference, I couldn’t get enough of the back and forth. I was thrilled to point out one child’s totally unique problem solving strategies, describe another’s “old soul” vibe that has a calming effect on us all, and a third’s sense of humor that keeps our class light and breezy.

I am reminded what an honor it is to teach young children and how grateful I am to these parents for entrusting me with their most prized “possessions.” I hope I live up to their expectations for the kind of experience they most want for their child, whether it’s encouragement, challenge, or softness. I’m on board for it all!

So grateful to be a teacher tonight!