After each session, teachers gave Mangla and I very positive feedback. Many said they appreciated the time to just work on problems that really tested their problem solving skills. Many others said they could see their students enjoying the challenge and the chance to share their thinking with their classmates. Everyone who spoke to us told us they mostly appreciated that today's staff development day looked at a familiar topic and not something new. Teachers are definitely overwhelmed with all the new initiatives of this school year. Some of them said it was great to look at the Problem of the Month packets again in light of CCSS and the math practices, and that for whatever reason they had forgotten how powerful the packets are.
It was an incredibly fulfilling morning as a presenter and professional developer.
One specific appreciation I received today that really filled my bucket was from a dear friend and colleague, Valerie Sabbag. In our conversation, Valerie said the message she heard at church on Ash Wednesday focused on thinking of the people in our lives that have made an impact on our lives and have made a positive impact on our lives. She said, "I thought of you and how every time you're at Fairmeadow, you are always so supportive and complimentary of what I do. You always take pictures of what I do and tweet them out and highlight the things I do."
What an incredible bucket-filler! Now, as I write this post, I know I need to just hear the appreciation and take it in. I need to accept it. In reflection, I know I should do that. What I did at that time reflects my humble nature. I responded, "Thank you for filling my bucket. I want you to know that my tweets and compliments are all because you have so many amazing things in your classroom. I just get to spotlight the things you already do. Without your awesome stuff, I wouldn't have anything to tweet about."
Appreciations are given with sincerity. I know I can work on myself and my response to them. I know I can accept the appreciations.
I know I will always live with humility, AND I can take that moment to accept the appreciation.