Cleaning out Emma’s Backpack

After my youngest child cleaned out her backpack from last year the first week of school this year I found a thick packet on the table titled “Emma’s Government and Citizenship Notebook. Inside were activities dealing with the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, rights and responsibilities, and the three branches of government. I was impressed by the depth of instruction. Emma had written, highlighted, cut, colored, and pasted in this packet. Third grade core curriculum for social studies includes geography, history, economics, and civics. After some thought I remembered seeing packets during the year covering the other topics.

I am very thankful for the teachers that have worked to engage my students-and all their other students, with curriculum that helps them to think, reason, and articulate. I am grateful to have had teachers at all levels that taught me how to solve problems, look at things from a different viewpoint, think critically, and express my ideas. Well prepared lessons, projects deigned to inspire curiosity, kind encouragement. I’ve experienced these. my family has experienced these. This is what teachers thoughtfully bring to their students.

I believe that when we support and trust teachers, we are supporting our students. Teachers deserve clear expectations, helpful professional development and feedback, and to hear parental concerns from parents not anonymously. I have been working as a math aide in Jordan School District since 2017. During that time I have seen hundreds of hours of outstanding instruction and respectful interactions with students. I have seen teachers show kindness and understanding for their students. Things don’t always go as planned or hoped, but even after a rough day with students acting up in every class, the teachers I have worked with treat each new day as a fresh start. I support students and families by supporting teachers.