New Teachers Change Lives Too- Part 2

During the summer, I work as a new teacher coach for TEACH Charlotte under the non-profit company The New Teacher Project.

I love what I do. Just like students have the “aha” moment in a lesson, new teachers have the “aha” moment in the classroom while you’re coaching. It’s so rewarding to watch someone grow before your eyes.

I left the classroom last year so that I could affect more students by working with teachers. I felt I was only affecting the 20+ students in my class every year and any student teacher assigned to my class. So now that I get to coach teachers, I impact them which means I then impact each of their 20+ students in their classrooms. Now I feel I am really able to share ideas and lessons I have learned along my journey. I didn’t get to where I am by myself, and I own that. I make sure to give credit where credit is due and thats what’s awesome about education- we pay it forward.

These new teachers survived an extremely rigorous program being thrown into a summer school class learning to fly the plane while they build it. It’s not an easy feat. They received lots of support and guidance, but that didn’t make the long days shorter and stress levels any less. But some awesome, steadfast and committed new teachers will now be entering our district in our neediest classrooms to change lives this very month. I couldn’t be happier to be part of such a movement!

I wanted to take the time to shout out two outstanding new teachers who shared their experience at our closing ceremony .  So, I pass the mic over to Anthony Lampkin.

“The true measure of leadership is influence, nothing more and nothing less.” Good afternoon distinguished guests, family, friends and 2015 TEACHcharlotte participants. We have come to the end of the road here at PST and oh how bittersweet it is. We began with 100 participants eager to enrich the minds of the youth here in Charlotte-Mecklenburg and as we look around, we see that not everyone has made it to the end with us. However, it is important that we see our achievements this summer as stepping stones for advancement in unity, education and progression. We made it! It has been long seven weeks filled with excitement, joy, and laughter… but also anxiety, tears and even fear. But again, we made it! Coming from Baltimore, Maryland to Charlotte, North Carolina was definitely a change of pace for me however, I was fortunate enough to be paired with an amazing coach whose presence during my time in PST has been a valuable resource. Jessica Smith’s energy and spirit made being a participant in TEACHcharlotte a pleasure, as I knew that I would receive feedback that would make me not only a better teacher, but a better person. I was also able to connect with my awesome CT, Ms. Cassandra Mayo, co-teaching with her made my experience great as I was able to pick up many things from her morals, values and high expectations for students. And to my I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-C-and don’t forget the E… my Independence family, I am appreciative of each and every one of you and I truly would not have been able to make it through these past seven weeks without you all. It was teaching English I at Independence High School that I met Cameron McCauley. A bright young man with an eagerness to learn. Often times he would be the first one to answer questions I’ve posed to the class and was extremely competitive as well. Moments where I allowed Brain Breaks gave Cameron the opportunity to showcase his leadership abilities. I noticed though, that with portfolio work that he didn’t understand, or couldn’t complete on the first try, he would get frustrated and give up. I constantly found myself pushing him and pushing him and pushing him until eventually he learned to work through those challenges and more. We’ve established a bond and on the last day, he came up to me and told me that he learned so much from me and that he was happy to have me as a teacher. He also let me know that he wanted me to follow on Instagram, for some reason… all of my students did. It was great connecting with him and I am happy that I was able to teach him. Our success is not measured by our success, our success is measured by our successors. The beauty of life is not how good you are, but how great you can make someone else. TNTP has taught us that in order to ensure the success of our students, we must motivate and empower every single one and assist them in maximizing their full potential, and capitalize on their strengths. In doing this, it is the expectation that each student will turn that potential into progress and work toward a purpose for the advancement and success of that individual, which will in turn, benefit our society. In order to ensure that students are benefitting from our presence, we as leaders must nurture the talent, spirit and drive of those who come after us. Do not climb the ladder of success only to take the ladder with you, reach back and help pull someone else up. The more we have succeed, stronger is the legacy we leave. The time is now to stop accepting mediocrity for comfortability and consistency and choose reliability and productivity… and have students take accountability.”

For some clarity, let me explain some of two references Anthony makes: 

• PST is our seven week intensive summer training program called: Pre-Service Training.
• Independence High School was the location Anthony completed his student teaching. Each cohort (school site) created cheers and chants and these were shared during our Friday all cohort meetings.

I applaud Anthony for reminding us that mistakes are part of the journey towards success. Beginning his speech with a quote explaining that its not how we fall but how we get back up to keep going that matters is a powerful reminder for everyone. What I love most, though, is how personalized his speech was to particular individuals that made an impact on his progress as an educator. He first mentions his coach at Independence, Jessica Smith, and thanks her for being his guide. He also thanks his CT (cooperating teacher), who by the way came to closing ceremony to celebrate his accomplishment! He then brought up a specific child that stood out to him. He explains that student’s journey and the impact he had as a new teacher on the development of this child. What a powerful way to thank the individuals that made him great and then pay it forward by helping a child who can later pay it forward to someone else- what a beautiful thing!

He nailed it when he said its not about “you,” but how you use your own talents to make someone else better. Man… what a powerful statement! He mentioned turning potential into progress and this is the rewarding occupation of a teacher where you see a talent in a child, you provide opportunities to cultivate that talent and then you unleash them into the world. I absolutely LOVE this profession for that exact reason.

Thank you Anthony for being the change our students, colleagues, administrators, parents and community need.

What new teacher has blown you away with the passion to pay it forward? Shout them out and explain why! 

About the author, Gretchen

I am a teacher trainer and coach. Working elbow to elbow with teachers and teacher leaders to ensure instructional proficiency and student achievement soar lights me up. We have a real need in our nation for strong educators to remain in the field. My blog, book, podcast, courses and instructional materials are geared towards empowering teachers (and those that lead them) to receive the support needed to grow and thrive today, tomorrow and always.

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