I Am A Cheerleader

Last year when I was writing Called to the Classroom: Daily Reflections for Educators, I made a list of 180 “I Am” statements that I wanted to include as daily titles/themes. If you are a consistent reader of my reflections here at Team Meline, you’ve seen several of those examples that I post on Mondays! Since publishing the book, several people have asked me how I thought of all those statements. I’ll share with you what I always tell them: It wasn’t difficult! Teachers fulfill so many different roles and responsibilities that it felt pretty easy to draft a lengthy list! In fact, I am confident I could have thought of several more. Which leads us to our reflection for today. Consider this one our “bonus” reflection:

I Am A Cheerleader

“What an honor it is to be my students’ greatest cheerleader.” ~ Christina Meline

As teachers, we are given a great gift: The chance to see students in a way that most of the world never will. We often see students when they are most vulnerable - navigating a difficult peer interaction or struggling to learn a concept. We may be with students at some of their most exciting moments of their youth - making a new discovery or growing a passion. All along the way, whether we realize it or not, we are cheering them on.

When students lack confidence or feel defeated, we speak words of life and belief into them. When students are curious or explorative, we ask even more questions and shatter the limitations that the world may place on their potential. We meet our students where they are when they first enter our classroom. We walk alongside them, take steps together, and at the end of the year, we celebrate with them as they move forward toward their next adventure. We are their cheerleaders, and the belief we have in our students will remain with them long after they leave our spaces.