I SEE YOU (Part 1)

My niece Emma is an RTLB (Resource Teacher of Learning and Behaviour) in Auckland. RTLB’s are trained specialist teachers who work with schools and kura so they are able to meet a broad range of learning, wellbeing and behaviour related needs of their students. 

She writes. 

I saw a Facebook post that made me pause. It read: There’s a validation deficit in education. Teachers pour into others but rarely feel poured into. You’re told to be more, do more, fix more, but almost never told, ‘You’re enough’ (Dr Brad Johnson). 

A few days later I was talking with my Dad, Chris, about teacher burnout and how simple acts of kindness, like a few encouraging words, can make a world of difference. I asked for one of his beautiful bird cards (beautifully created cards with Chris’ original artwork on the front) and I knew exactly who I wanted to give it to; a Kaiako (teacher) I had been observing. 

She is an extraordinary teacher. Patient, creative and endlessly kind. Her classroom hums with curiosity, filled with loose parts and screwdrivers for exploring, art that celebrates learning and reo Māori woven through play. She praises, smiles, coaches and notices. She never raises her voice and always finds the best in each child.  

I also knew she had recently been in hospital, so I wrote her a handwritten card as a small way of saying, I see you and your beautiful mahi (work). 

A few days later, she wrote back. Her message was titled ‘A love letter for Emma’. Next week’s blog is about the teachers message and some reflective thoughts.