Teachable Moments
Sunday, February 22, 2009
You're Much More Than Enough
I sat mezmerized by a heart-warming film entitled, I am Sam, featuring Michelle Pfeiffer and Sean Penn. This movie was about a mentally-challenged father who sought the assistance of a high-powered attorney to help him regain custody of his daughter.
I was particulary touched by a man with few words who had so much to offer his daughter and an articulate attorney who was at a loss of words for her own son. She was willing to accept a unrewarding married life and feeling a sense of despair that the son she loved dearly had developed a calloused and distant relationship with her.
As she reached out to her son, the initial response was lackluster. Although successful in her professional accomplishments, she was unsuccessful in reaching the heartstrings of her son. She cried out to her client, Sam, in desperation for what she wanted most and declared that her efforts and love were just not enough!
I held my breath with empathy for this woman as she struggled to find the answers and with the utmost clarity of mind, thought and emotion, Sam declared, "You Are Much More Than Enough!"
As educators, please allow me to declare to each of you that the time, energy, money, commitment, ingenuity, talent and love that you share with your students on a daily basis is much more than enough!
I implore you to:
* Accept your students for who they are
* Establish positive relationships with staff, parents and students
* Believe in the BEST in every child
* Celebrate and encourage the abilities, skills and talents of your students
* Set high expectations
* Dress in a professional manner
* Encourage students' goals and expectations
* Pat yourself on the back for a job well done!
YOU ARE MUCH MORE THAN ENOUGH!
I was particulary touched by a man with few words who had so much to offer his daughter and an articulate attorney who was at a loss of words for her own son. She was willing to accept a unrewarding married life and feeling a sense of despair that the son she loved dearly had developed a calloused and distant relationship with her.
As she reached out to her son, the initial response was lackluster. Although successful in her professional accomplishments, she was unsuccessful in reaching the heartstrings of her son. She cried out to her client, Sam, in desperation for what she wanted most and declared that her efforts and love were just not enough!
I held my breath with empathy for this woman as she struggled to find the answers and with the utmost clarity of mind, thought and emotion, Sam declared, "You Are Much More Than Enough!"
As educators, please allow me to declare to each of you that the time, energy, money, commitment, ingenuity, talent and love that you share with your students on a daily basis is much more than enough!
I implore you to:
* Accept your students for who they are
* Establish positive relationships with staff, parents and students
* Believe in the BEST in every child
* Celebrate and encourage the abilities, skills and talents of your students
* Set high expectations
* Dress in a professional manner
* Encourage students' goals and expectations
* Pat yourself on the back for a job well done!
YOU ARE MUCH MORE THAN ENOUGH!