Jon Fishman

My magic moment this year came during our One Minute Monologue project. At first, many students were hesitant, some even nervous about standing up and sharing reciting their monologues in front of an audience of classmates, parents and teachers. Prior to the performance date, I heard a lot of “I can’t do this” and saw anxious faces. But as we worked together, practiced, and encouraged one another, something amazing happened. Those “I can’ts” slowly turned into proud “I did its.” Watching my students step in front of the mic, deliver their monologues, and then beam with pride (with a sigh of relief too) was truly inspiring. These moments reminded me how important it is to build strong relationships with my students. When they know I believe in them and that our classroom is a safe space, they’re willing to take risks and take a chance. Seeing students realize what they’re capable of is what makes teaching so rewarding.