As mentioned in Standard 13 as well, I always make an effort to support and uphold the philosophy and policies of the school and I honestly believe in our mission and try to live it out where possible. My personality is to lead by example and gain the respect of my peers through simple actions and integrity. I do the same with my students as I always show them respect, treat them like adults (as much as possible with middle schoolers), and offer opportunities for reconciliation and forgiveness when they make mistakes. I am honest with them and supportive of their goals and make an effort to encourage them and lead them to creating their own set of positive beliefs and morals during this impressionable age.
I enjoy having conversations with students about their extracurricular lives and I get excited about their hobbies and passions and encourage them to take advantage of opportunities to grow as individuals. I also get many chances to talk to students about community service and citizenship through activities like Week Without Walls and CSR days. It's nice to see students engage in activities that support a greater social need and I make an effort to discuss these global issues and share my own thoughts and actions in these areas with students in hopes that inspires them to action in the realms of "following their dreams" and "enhancing the lives of others".
I hope that my students see the different roles that I play outside of being a teacher and that my actions and beliefs can guide them to thinking about their own beliefs and how they see themselves in the larger picture of school policy, peer to peer interaction, and their wider cultural and global community.
Some student responses from the student-teacher feed back survey serve to show the positive impact that a teacher's actions can have on a students perspective. I am glad that student recognize my character and hope that it has an effect on theirs:
"Mr.Roberts is a very sincere and a very kind teacher" "I think he's a perfect role model."
"He helps us in every hard problem for math and so because of his kindness I take the responsibility to work better and to enhance my skills."
"I think Mr. Roberts is a really nice and more easy going teacher which is really cool. He respects all the students and still teaches me many things."
"Mr. Roberts has helped every single child in this school by sacrificing his time and by making learning fun and interesting"
"My teacher helps me and encourages me in every way that he can"