Chief Joseph School

One of the joys of working in schools is being able to see the growth that children make over time. What might seem impossible one day becomes possible the next. I have discovered over time that there is no cookie-cutter, no exact recipe. There is no road map and there is no plan that is the perfect fit. If, on one day, an intervention calls for the support of an adult such as the counselor, another day might call for a teacher, a parent, or even a visitor to the building. This past week, I had the chance to see a child make a huge leap. They blossomed when they had the opportunity to be the teacher for another student who was struggling. In the explanation, they discovered their own skill. At recess today, two students were having an altercation and another student’s intervention solved the issue. I watched, from a distance, how two students redirected the attention of one child and that made all of the difference. Now, does that mean that everything was solved? No. However, each child involved in these stories discovered a new understanding. They found a confidence in their own ability and talent. Yes, as adults, we will continue to provide interventions. However, there is much to be said for stepping back and letting children lead the way. This is surely one of the reasons I stand in awe of my students each and every day.