Leading By Example – Teacher Support System

“Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching them what counts is best.” – Bob Talbert

As teachers, we all strive towards one goal; for all our students to succeed. The KS1 and Foundation Phase teachers believe whole heartedly in a teacher support system where all teachers are encouraged, motivated and cared for each day by one another in order to be at our best for our students.

We, as teachers, feel that this support system is very important as its allows us to communicate our feelings, rely on each other, share our specific skills and strategies and build confidence in one another to stay ahead of the game in a rapidly-changing world.

We would like this support system to mirror how the students should want to care for each other as many students do not feel comfortable expressing their feelings to adults. A care buddy is the one friend you can speak to about anything that is going on in your life, whether it be positive or negative.

With the continuous support from all the teachers, the teachers have decided to follow a different system where their care buddy stays anonymous for the year. This care buddy is there to leave you notes of encouragement, recognition, to motivate you for a busy time ahead or a little treat to brighten up their day.

We would like to encourage students to follow this system and show kindness and support to their friends without reason because if they can make at least one friend smile in a day, it will create a ripple effect.

“Everyone who remembers his own education, remembers teachers, not techniques. The teacher is the heart of the educational system.” – Sidney Hook

Erin Hierse
Year 1 Teacher