My daughter was actually excited to go back to school after the long holiday break. She’s still in elementary school, and I realize that as she gets older that probably won’t always be the case. But for now, her excitement for school pleases me.
While she was thrilled to be reunited with her “long-lost” friends, I couldn’t help but also notice how interested she was in her teacher’s reaction to her returning to school.
My daughter couldn’t wait to ask her teacher one simple question: “Did you miss me?”
Every teacher in the world was bombarded with that question when classes resumed after the break. The best teachers didn’t dread hearing it, they looked forward to it. They understood what their students were really asking was “Do you care about me?”
Not long ago, I posted a photo on Twitter and Facebook that listed the three things a player needs from a coach. I think it applies to teachers, too.
(Let’s face it, the best coaches always see themselves as teachers, and the best teachers always see themselves as coaches!)
If you can’t see the graphic, here is the list:
- Someone to encourage me.
- Someone to hold me accountable.
- Someone to model good behavior.
When you provide your players/students with those three things, you show them you care about them…and you answer their question.
Young people need someone in their corner, encouraging them to forge ahead when the going gets tough. They need someone to cheer them on when they are on the cusp of a major breakthrough.
If they happen to get off track, they need someone to rein them in and use their misstep as a teachable moment.
And more than anything, they need someone to show them how to act when they are uncertain of what is appropriate. Young people learn more from our example than they ever do from our words.
Anytime coaches, teachers, parents, grandparents, or mentors of any variety provide these things to those who need them, they give the kind of gift that changes the course of an individual’s life.
As always, remember: Good teammates care. Good teammates share. Good teammates listen. Go be a good teammate.
Hi Coach Loya,
I was just wondering how your girls are doing! I think of them often and I know they are doing great because they are amazing kids! Please let them know their old teacher was asking about them! Thanks for the article and keep them coming!
Take care,
Jenn Coposky
My girls are doing great! I will be sure to tell them you asked about them. Glad to hear you enjoyed the blog!
I am a teacher at Jackson Elementary. I always enjoy the emails that our acting superintendent Jason Moore forwards to us that include your blogs. I am signing up so I receive them myself. From a teacher’s point of view, I can see why you are a wonderful coach. You truly understand children from the inside out and vise versa :).
Keep up the great work!
Patty Burkey
Central Cambria School District
Jackson Elementary
4th & 5th Grade Science Teacher
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoy the blogs and I appreciate your kind words too!
This article is so fantastic! Thank you so much for posting such positive messages! When students feel embraced, cared for, loved and respected, there really isn’t anything they won’t do for their teacher! Since meeting you at our in-service day, I have signed up for the posts and enjoy reading them at the start of every day. I am so glad that our administration brought you in to speak with us!
Christine Long
Fourth Grade Teacher
Central Cambria Elementary School
Thank you for the wonderful comments! I am glad to hear enjoy the message and I totally agree with you about teachers respecting and loving students! That is the kind of behavior that produces good teammates!