What About the Students Who Don't "Deserve" your Kindness?

Heyyy SuperTeachers,

I’ve been there, you’ve been there, the thought creeps in: “There are students in my class who don’t ‘deserve’ my kindness.”

And you’re not wrong. But you’re not exactly right, either.

What you are is human.

Teaching puts us face-to-face with some of the most challenging interactions. Ones that have no place in education, but exist because … we work with humans. Young, vulnerable humans whose frontal lobes won’t fully develop until 25; well beyond the time we have with them to shape their understanding of effort, perseverance, and what it takes to succeed.

So, Where Does That Leave Us?

Let’s talk about the students who often go unnoticed (or overly noticed), the ones who don’t stand out for their achievements, but instead challenge us the most.

All means ALL, but its not always easy.

Questions to guide your reflection.

What percentage of my class fits this category?

• Use this simple formula: (Number of outliers ÷ Total number of students) × 100

What do I know about these students as individuals and as a collective?

• What makes each student unique?

• What do they all have in common?

• When are they most engaged? Least engaged?

• When have they been most successful? Least successful?

Next, Reflect on Your Instruction & Engagement Strategies

What have you already tried to engage and support these specific students?

• Have your family communication efforts been effective?

• What has your interaction with these students looked like; positive, negative, encouraging, consistent? (No self-judgment—just reflection!)

• Have you partnered with student support services in a meaningful way?

And Here’s the Hard Part…

I’m dancing around this because I HATE to say it.

After you’ve:

• Made instructional adjustments

• Engaged key stakeholders (including the student)

• Done everything in your power...

There may come a point where you feel stuck.

And let’s be clear: it’s not because the student is “unreachable.” 

It’s because the systems and structures in place are failing to meet their needs. Period.

This is why transformative teaching is about more than just pedagogy. It’s about disrupting limitations in our classrooms and beyond. And if you’re ready to dig deeper into this work, I’d love to support you.

This August, the Academy is launching a 1-year virtual residency for K-12 teachers, a space for reflection, strategy, and instructional transformation. Let’s create the systems and practices our students truly deserve.

You in? If you have questions about the virtual residency Schedule a complimentary Q&A session.

~ the Academy

#CelebratingAllStudents #TeachingWithIntention #InstructionalTransformation #EducatorSupport #PamperYourProteges #K12Educators #TeacherCoaching #VirtualResidency