Growing up there was something that always was instilled in me…respect! There were levels of respect that I developed that I did not even know existed. I recall living with my grandparents, while our home was being constructed my High School Freshman year, and walking in the house getting settled in. I took off my shoes, upon entering, put away my book bag, and whistling a tune of jubilee that I was complete with schools for the day. I heard my grandmother say, “excuse me young man!” I politely responded, I did not say anything. Not catching the “West Indian” social cue I continued my melodious tune of whistling as I was preparing an afternoon snack. Now my grandmother appears before me, hands on her hips, and a stern look on her brow…same questions on her lips…” excuse me young man?” Now puzzled, I politely as possible cautiously say “nothing, I did not say anything.” She immediate went into a rant about how I was not a grown man, that I did not pay bills, and I should not be walking around whistling through the house. It was at that point that I realized the magnitude of respect, and how it affected others!
Upon completing my Undergraduate degree in College, I made the decision to become an Educator. My intention was to be a Zoologist my entire life, but the running joke was that I still get to study wildlife, just in the classroom rather the rain-forest! My girlfriend, now wife, entered the profession a during my final year in college, and often shared her experiences with me. My interest increased overtime up until the point that I regretted not going to become a Teacher. She provided me with insight on an alternative path that I could follow and that is what I chose to follow. I gained experience by becoming a substitute for one year, and through it was able to determine the ideal grade level that I preferred. I surprisingly completed the teacher certification tests for the state and was ready to join a school district.
I developed rapport with a lot of administrators and educators while being a substitute teacher and believed that one of those connections would land me a job. To my surprise I received a call from a school that I had never visited or even heard of because I was still relatively new to the area. I attended the interview for the experience, not anticipating on accepting the position, and was blown away. I was greeted by an administrator that stated she heard so many great things about me. I honestly thought that she got me mixed up with another applicant! To sum it all up, the school was beautiful, brand new, and close to where I currently lived. I thought it all over and made the decision to work there. Upon further discussion, I found out that the administrator was neighbors with a cafeteria worker at one of the school’s where I serviced. I honestly don’t recall her name, or even who she was, but I know that I always treat everyone with respect and never looked down on anyone no matter what “level” of employment they used to provide an honest living for their family. It was not perfect, but I have countless memories from working at the very school for over 11 years!
Fast forward, as an Educator my students are typically referred to as young man or young lady. I often refer to them as mister or misses followed by their last name. A few don’t care for it, but I at least give the explanation of how it is a sign of respect that I take pride in showing them. When I continue to refer to them and treat them in a respectful manner than it is often reciprocated which in turn minimizes discipline issues. Classroom Management is often viewed as one of my strong suits, but the reality is that it’s not needed as much in my classroom culture. Dr. Seuss said it best, “a person is a person, no matter how small!”
The Jeremy Anderson Group