Seven Lifetime gifts of a Teacher Teaching Academy Mrs. Abbey

The Gift of Optimism The gift of optimism is to realize that everyone and everything makes a difference even if the difference is not readily apparent. Sometimes it is easy to overlook the importance of something as simple as a nod, a smile, a touch, a kind word. Yet, everything the teacher does, and every way it is done, counts more than the teacher may ever know.

The Gift of Intentionality Intentionality is the underlying structure that gives meaning and direction to experience. The teacher who acts with intentionality is the one who is most able to recognize opportunities. Students are more likely to get involved in and show attention to learning activities when they perceive teachers are clearly communicating their care for students and intentionally providing classroom structure.

The Gift of Responsibility The cornerstone of invitational teaching is that each person is ultimately responsible. By placing responsibility on each person for his or her own actions, and by serving as a model for responsibility, the classroom teacher creates an environment that encourages trust. This trust only can be based on a consistent stance that establishes a pattern of dependability.

The Gift of Courage Teachers of heart and spirit are always the most courageous. The way to be courageous is to act on one’s feelings of caring. In other words, the way to be is to do: the way to be courageous is to act courageously. For the classroom teacher, this means that the way to be inviting is to act inviting.

Acts of Invitation 1. When it is safe to try 2. When it is not overly demanding 3. When they are warmly encouraged 4. When they believe they can meet the teacher’s expectation 5. When good things have resulted from past acceptance 6. When they feel respected by the teacher.

The Gift of Respect Respect requires that no matter how much good it will be for the other person to do what is wished, no matter how much the teacher wants the other person to do it, the rights of people should not be violated. These rights include the right of acceptance, negotiation, or rejection.

The Gift of Sensitivity Sensitivity is the ability to be aware of and appreciate what is going on in the personal world of the other person. This requires the honest desire to “tune in” on how others are experiencing themselves, others, and the world.

The Gift of Passion “is the relationship to self. It is rewarding to find someone whom you like, but it is essential to like yourself!” When teachers accept the gift of passion, they find ways to be fully present in this world.

Open Your Gifts Today Create a Flyer or Map chart that demonstrates one or more of your own “Three Gifts” List one example of how you demonstrate that gift. Be clear & concise Keep it one-two word phrases Use a Border & Graphics Then, complete the paragraph reflection. Turn in: December 12th