Kids are much more observant than we sometimes give them credit for. I have a short story but the picture tells the whole story. This was not one of my students. I happened to be walking by this young man during finals week on his way to class. I thought it was nice that he was bringing a cake to his class. I asked to see it and have never forgotten how smart kids are sometimes. The writing said, “Sorry for never coming to your class.” It is the best attempt at sucking up I have seen. I have a philosophy I share with my students and anyone who has ever had me knows this phrase well, “Suck up early and often!” It trivializes my point but it is a valuable lesson. Being attentive to others and focusing on the person when needed goes a long way to securing the benefit of the doubt from colleagues and supervisors. I give students a simple piece of advice to make the teacher feel like they are the most important part of our day. As teachers, we know that a kid has a million things going and we are just one small part. If a student comes in and is engaged and attentive to us, we will always give that kid the benefit of the doubt. I asked later if the kid had actually passed the class and he did. It wasn’t the cake but the simple admission of a mistake and acknowledging the mistake. This student may think he got away with something but deep down he has learned a lesson that will last a lifetime.
