Domain 2: Personal Development

Elaboration:
Lately, I have been spending a lot of time thinking about how I can better understand my students and demonstrate care to them, even the ones who sometimes annoy me. Today I took the time to stop and just listen to the students in my class. At lunch today, I sat for a few minutes with one students and listened to him talk about his toys. He also told my about how he didn't feel like he had any friends. I talked with him for a while about what it means to be a friend and how to have friends. I have discovered as I go along that even though I have been rougher on some of my students, they really want that for themselves and appreciate when I take the time to listen to them.

Analysis:
I think that as I have been here longer, it becomes easier to simply think I know my students. However, many of them have social things going on or just want someone who will give them attention. Many of them are such great children that no one notices. I want to notice those who get in trouble and those who fly under the radar. The ones who receive little attention need it. I want to build their confidence and make a difference in their lives. It's days like today that I feel overwhelmed in a good way. I feel overwhelmed by how much these children need me and want me in their lives.