#OneWord 2022: "Difference."

      Do you know "The Starfish Story?"

     This story is why I chose the word "difference" as my #OneWord2022.  The first time I heard this story was when a friend of mine used it in her speech to the school district after being recognized as our district's Elementary Teacher of the Year.  Just to know this lady leaves you feeling blessed! Instead of saving starfish, though, she used it as a simile to saving the children that we teach and challenged us to make a difference in the lives of our students.  Well, sweet friend, that challenge was accepted the moment I heard this story! 

     Twice, in my teaching career, I have heard an administrator say to me, "You can't save them all."  I have to admit, both times this really angered me.  The first time, I was too dumbfounded to even have a response. The second time, I was a more seasoned teacher, and I had been busting my butt for a particular student. Following a parent meeting, the principal looked at me and said, "Well, you can't save them all." I was livid! All the time and energy I was putting in to this child. All of the interventions and documentations. I could see the potential in this student! I looked at her and said, "Seriously?" "Yep." was her response. I stood up, looked her straight in the eye and said. "If making a difference every day, in the lives of my students, is not my goal, then I'm in the wrong damned profession!" and walked out of the conference room.  How can a building, or even district leader be so callous?

     This is my mantra:  "It made a difference to that one."  It ties in perfectly with my mission and goal in life of being a trauma-responsive teacher.  This is why I have chosen "Difference" as my #OneWord2022.