Today I am a cheerleader.

We just got home from Parent/Teacher Conferences for our three children who are in elementary school.  Each of their teachers let us know how wonderful our children are, and they also told us that our children bring a lot to the classroom.  I was very proud as a parent, and I felt that I should have my cheerleader hat on, but cheerleaders don't wear hats, so maybe I should say I got out my pom-poms.  Anyway, I thought of how proud I am of my children, but also how I have to cheer for my students as well, even if sometimes that is hard to do.

As my daughter's teacher was telling us how great our daughter is, she also mentioned how hard the conferences can be for teachers because we have to be honest with the parents and students.  Sometimes we have to say, "You need to do the homework," or "Coming to class would be helpful."  I thought about that, and I thought about how I dread Parent/Teacher conferences as a teacher because I don't want any one to criticize me, and I don't want to tell my students that they aren't doing a good job.  I want it all to be positive; I want to keep cheering for the team, even if they are losing, and they will continue to lose.  But, my daughter's teacher was right.  As teachers, we have to be honest, and when parents ask why their students are failing, we have to put the pom-poms down, and sometimes tell them that their student isn't putting forth his/her best effort.  

You might think that teachers enjoy criticizing their students, but we really don't.   I want my students to feel that they are successful, and I want them to know that they can do anything that they put their mind to.  I want to be a cheerleader all of the time, and I appreciate my children's teachers for being the cheerleaders they are.  I know that it can be extremely tough to keep cheering, and I thought tonight of how cheerleaders must feel when they see their team losing, but they have to keep cheering.  So, next week when it is my turn to be the cheerleader (teacher) at Parent/Teacher Conferences, I will do my best to keep my pom-poms out and a smile on my face, and I will keep cheering for my students even when I have to be honest and admit that they could put more energy into the game.