Classroom Meetings

Tuesday morning was an indescribable experience. We sat in our classroom meeting group and I attentively listened to the children expressed their reflections and concerns about the classroom culture. At the end, the children were asked to say something nice about himself or herself or another person. As we went around sharing our comments, one of the students made the comment that I was a big brother to him. This was very moving because it was a grand compliment and it was coming from a student who I had to suspend from Math Club. The discussion continued and a few other students reiterated sentiments about enjoying my presence in the classroom. At one point, Victor, a clever child with behavioral troubles, described me as being “pro.” “He isn’t a like a student teacher. He is like pro, like a teacher.” The kids started to chime in with their comments and I had to hold back the tears. It was a very moving moment and one of those emotional experiences that refill your treasure chest that help you along through “all the other bullshit.”