This past weekend, Ginger and I headed up to Yosemite to look around and relax. We needed the time away, especially with all that has been going on lately health-wise. I'm happy to report that she is doing much better and seems to be getting stronger with each passing day.
While we were there, we had the rare opportunity to witness the transformation of the park from clear skies, to rain, to winter wonderland. This made me think about the power or transformation. Nothing in the park changed from day to day, except the weather that we were experiencing. With each transition, the park took on an entirely different character and the scenery changed almost entirely.
As educators, we know that this is also true for our classrooms. Small external changes can have large impacts on the "climate" of our classroom. As teachers, we have a profound impact on that climate. It is helpful to remember that the mindset we bring with us to school, affects everyone in our classroom.
Educator and author, Todd Whitaker observed, "When the teacher sneezes, the entire classroom catches a cold. This is neither good or bad, it's just the truth. Our impact is significant because our focus becomes the students' focus. If we have great credibility and student relationships, students work to please us. If we lack credibility, students work against us. Students come to class each day wanting and expecting us to set the tone. If the tone we establish is positive and professional, they will match that tone. If our tone is negative and confrontational, they'll respond in kind."
Let's resolve to use our powers of transformation for good and to allow ALL of our students to flourish!