So often I give private, hand-written messages to my students when they don't perform well on a high-stakes, cumulative exam, to remind them that a score never defines who they are as a student and a person. Today, I need to give that note to myself.
I logged in to see my AP scores, only to have my heart break. Hours upon hours of work, research and dedication nicely zipped up into one report; one that essentially says, "You are a failure." Yes, I cried, not knowing what else to do in that moment.
After the initial wave of disappointment and deep frustration passed, I looked at the scores and for the third year in a row, made the quick analysis that the students committed to their homework assignments always pass the exam.
So, I refuse to let these scores define me. I love teaching and look forward to sharing my subject area every day - yes, every day.
I will strive to find new ways to engage my students and to make my classes interesting and valuable. However, I will let go of the things I cannot change outside of my classroom. Students, and their parents, must know that for excellence to come, a dedicated work ethic must be in place. I will give my students 100% dedication to instructional fidelity, best practices, and current information; that's all I can offer.
I simply refuse to let test scores define me as a bad teacher and a bad person.
I logged in to see my AP scores, only to have my heart break. Hours upon hours of work, research and dedication nicely zipped up into one report; one that essentially says, "You are a failure." Yes, I cried, not knowing what else to do in that moment.
After the initial wave of disappointment and deep frustration passed, I looked at the scores and for the third year in a row, made the quick analysis that the students committed to their homework assignments always pass the exam.
So, I refuse to let these scores define me. I love teaching and look forward to sharing my subject area every day - yes, every day.
I will strive to find new ways to engage my students and to make my classes interesting and valuable. However, I will let go of the things I cannot change outside of my classroom. Students, and their parents, must know that for excellence to come, a dedicated work ethic must be in place. I will give my students 100% dedication to instructional fidelity, best practices, and current information; that's all I can offer.
I simply refuse to let test scores define me as a bad teacher and a bad person.