Be the Teacher You Needed When You Were Younger
The Power of One Teacher.
Think back to your childhood—the moments in school that shaped you, for better or worse. Maybe you were the kid who couldn’t sit still, who talked too much, who needed a little extra encouragement but instead got labeled as “too much” or “not enough.” Maybe you longed for a teacher who saw you—not just as a student, but as a whole, capable, unique human being.
Now, here you are, standing in front of your own students, with the power to be that teacher. The one who sees the gifts in every child, even when they’re wrapped in unexpected packaging. The one who leverages differences as strengths, not deficits. The one who recognizes that brilliance doesn’t always fit inside a neat little box.
Flip the Narrative: Strengths, Not Weaknesses
That talkative student? Channel their energy into meaningful discussions, peer teaching, or storytelling activities. Give them a reason to speak—because their words have value.
That student who can’t sit still? Let them move! Provide flexible seating, incorporate movement-based learning, and embrace active engagement strategies like Total Physical Response (TPR). Movement isn’t a distraction—it’s a tool for deeper learning.
That student with a short attention span? Break lessons into smaller, digestible chunks. Use visuals, hands-on activities, and quick transitions to keep engagement high.
That student who lacks confidence? Celebrate every small success. Build their self-efficacy by focusing on what they CAN do instead of what they struggle with. Your belief in them can change the trajectory of their learning.
Be the Teacher Who Sees Possibilities
Students don’t need perfection—they need someone who believes in them, who adapts, who nurtures their strengths while helping them grow. You have the opportunity to be the person you needed when you were younger, the teacher who makes a lifelong impact simply by seeing, embracing, and elevating every student’s unique potential.
So tell me, what kind of teacher did YOU need when you were younger? Drop a comment below and let’s inspire each other. ❤️
