Every year, our school provides surveys to both students and families that include a number of statements that respondents can objectively answer by choosing Always, Usually, Sometimes, Not Usually, or Never. Toward the end of the 2013-2014 school year I got a chance to look at the results of the survey results attributed to my name, and I was, quite frankly, somewhat surprised by the results of some of the questions.
The data displayed below is likely the spark that ignited a desire to publish this blog, and certainly the subject matter of the video posted here. I don't suspect 100% of all my classes will truly understand or appreciate the efforts of all their teachers, but the idea that three children entrusted to my care would state that I "never" care about them is not only worth noting, but demanding in a strategic response.
Although I do not feel compelled to detail the variety of ways I care (Do you think that if I did not care that I would bother teaching in a high-performing charter school for at least nine hours a day? Consider this: If I did not care, I would not bother to notice your bad habits and offer you precise, consistent feedback.) the fact of the matter is that I care deeply about the future of every student who sits in front of me.
I understand, however, that my behavior, my ideas, my perspective on matters of content and character will not always be the popular thought. As an adult, I can appreciate the notion that, in the moment, it's hard to enjoy the rainbow in the midst of a storm. I can understand, then, when some of my current students will make false claims about the status of my care. So please, don't just take my word for it. Here's what some of my former students (these are students who are now headed toward their freshman year in high school) had to say:
And here's a word from a former student who is now an adult (save the old man jokes, Leo):
"I knew he cared because he took the time to listen - something not often seen in teachers, or even our own parents ... for some odd reason Bs were not good enough in his grade book for me. At the time I thought of it as harsh because a B grade is nothing to be shameful of. Mr. V. saw the A student I was - the A person I could become if I gave it my all and he was not going to settle for anything less. So Mr. V's 'demanding' of a better me was something I couldn't understand then as caring, as I understand now. Thanks, Mr. V." -Jamie Morales, a 25 year old Dominican-American registered nurse and youth pastor at a Christian church.
