This spring, our MA Fellows in the School Leadership program will share blog posts about their coursework and learning journey. Interested in becoming part of a future cohort? Connect with us here.
By: Katie Fontenot
Interestingly, the power of partnership hits the same, regardless of age. It is the power of unity, once a bond has formed, that cannot be denied acting as a bolt of lightning leaving an undeniable mark. The question is how can we as classroom teaches emulate this lightning bolt affect, quench this thirst for companionship and allow it to sweep across every single student that comes into our classroom? This is vital to consider as once the answer is found it will be the start in which our classroom culture and relationships begin to transform.
So how do we begin this process? First, let’s lay down the weight of our accolades and years of experienced educational tenure at the door. Let’s not take ourselves too seriously. Therefore, we can all agree to share in the excitement of learning and grow a stronger connection with the youth that is bound to change this world for either better or worse. If the foundation in which we are basing all learning from isn’t enriched with patience, safety, vulnerability, and love then what we are cultivating simply cannot flourish. Let’s be genuine, honest, willing to pour ourselves over every student in every chair, even commit to controlled chaos from time to time, being completely and one hundred ‘real’ with our students and when we operate from this stage, the strongest foundation in which we can give our students, on the hardest and even most challenging academic days, they will thrive.
Creating Moments of Authentic Connection
During my time at Baylor, I have been encouraged to slow down in the classroom, look around and really account for, hear, and see each student. It is astounding how using that time to invest in my students has created opportunities of joy in learning that I can’t possibly imagine being there otherwise. You see, our students want someone they know cares for them enough to share the highs and the lows of their learning journey. The road from August to May isn’t easy. It’s paved with all kinds of terrain, but the silver lining is there is always someone in the classroom (a teacher or even a student at times) serving as an usher and is there to guide them along in hopes to somehow make the journey that much easier.
My professors at Baylor continue to pave a well-lit path for me in realizing that my students want a relationship with their teachers so when they finally reach the summit of their learning, they are not celebrating alone. Who wants to celebrate the joy and success of a hard journey all alone? No one. Let’s be human together. We all yearn for that wink of an eye, pat on the back, or warm smile igniting the feeling that we are of worth and value…surely one entirely worth celebrating. After all, we were made for this kind of companionship. Weren’t we? We were made to connect, encourage, and flourish together, not apart, and in the classroom the relationship between teacher and student truly is no different.
Most importantly, thriving to keep Christ at the center of my own personal teaching has also been a driving force of mine throughout the school day. I mean, who else to use as the best example of patience, kindness, and the ultimate teacher other than our Lord and Savior? There is no better example to follow. It’s a huge part of my why. His example is truly the compass I use to ensure that I am still aligned with my own personal values and morals, in the professional, public-school setting in which I operate from. Especially on the hardest of days, I thrive to remember His teachings and the example He consistently set while he once lived among humanity; in other words, keeping the focus on integrity through Christ like teaching in the classroom allows an enriched foundation of learning that will continue to serve our students well, far and beyond their classroom years.
What’s Next
So how can we achieve this? Connection. With every opportunity that is given we must encourage students to interact, grow empathy, and build moments with all peers recognizing that a little bit of time each day adds up. In addition, let’s show our students the way in which requires for us to put our phones down and lift our heads to talk, laugh, converse, invest in those around you. It’s truly a gift being able to see others for who they are and commit to walking with them, wherever that road may lead.
For example, in my class we do something called Mindset Moment at the beginning of every day. It’s a writing opportunity based on that day’s objective to ‘hook’ them into the world in which we are about to embark upon together—whether it’s the journey of Beowulf, Shakespearean Sonnets, or Frankenstein—they are getting a glimpse of what is to come. But the key is, it doesn’t stop there with the writing piece. Afterward, we all move around and connect; one by one. For example, each peer they pass they high five, fist bump, or share a simple well wish for the day as they move along, and the countdown ensues. Once again, connection. When the timer rings, they sync up with the person they are closest to at random and they share, listen and bond with each other over their writing piece before we all engage in our next step of learning for the day. I even allow for a quick tic, tac, toe moment or rock, paper, scissors from time to time to help solidify their time together. It takes maybe ten seconds to complete; but they get lost in the moment and find pure joy during the exchange while all else that separates us fades away. I’ve seen this occur time and time again; it’s awe inspiring to see all different types of students moving around, acknowledging each other, sharing thoughts through genuine exchange, and even partaking in a simple game to help build classroom happiness and joy. It often becomes the highlight of my day’s work, witnessing the interaction, the sounds of genuine laughter, smiles, and care through this type of learning approach.
Talk the Talk and Walk the Walk
Submerged in vulnerability, leading us to moments of building upon a good laugh with pure joy instantly turns into creating a productive learning environment in which all can partake in. It is then, with intent, I bridge us straight into our lesson for the day while laughter still lingers in the air. Instantaneously, this also allows students to shift their good energy in to giving me their full attention for the day’s lesson.
In committing to this classroom practice, we are also accepting the whole student complete with their strengths and weaknesses. My students have a range of limited English language ability, various learning accommodations, emotional struggles, but through this practice none of those struggles matter, you are safe and you are welcome to come as you are. Unconditionally seeing the worth that each student has to offer in the classroom will plant a seed, so they truly believe they were made to fellowship with others and achieve unbelievably great things in this world. It just takes one of us, as leaders, as teachers, to believe in a student to change their way of thinking and their future. If we believe in them, speak truth over them with no exceptions, limitless possibilities will then surround them. It takes just one to believe, setting those dreams into motion to truly change the direction of that student’s life for the better.
Final Take Away
I’ve been blessed to say that I have had the most valuable, joyful moments of connection shared with my students during this time in which yes, I was still the adult in charge in the classroom, yet I was also one of them; approachable, kind, gentle, and full of understanding and grace. Yet again in the classroom, finding myself striving to be just like Jesus…approachable, kind, gentle and full of understanding and grace. It is then my student’s walls drop and their true spirit shines through. Those moments just change the room so quickly and honestly take no time at all once that bond is formed and that expectation is set. It isn’t fool proof, some days my students are just not as motivated, maybe even a little tired from time to time, but the intention to keep thriving and moving forward is always there on my end because our students are worth it.
Every single day, they are worth it.
Citations:
Eckert, J. (2023). Just teaching: Feedback, engagement, and well-being for each student.
Corwin.
About the Author
Katie Fontenot grew up in the Houston area and graduated from the University of Houston with a BA in English Literature and minor in Psychology. As a Lead Fellow for Baylor University’s MA in School Leadership she is incredibly passionate about operating from her faith in Jesus as the cornerstone for all her classroom teaching. Katie loves nothing more than spending quality time with her husband Kyle and two daughters. Their most recent family addition occurred last fall with a sweet golden doodle coincidentally already lovingly named, Baylor.