Career Lesson from a Learning Specialist at California Middle School
Dan's most significant career lesson, echoing Maya Angelou's quote, emphasizes the lasting impact of "how you made them feel," advocating for small, thoughtful interactions—remembering details, acknowledging struggles—to build strong relationships with students and colleagues. These small moments of presence, especially for vulnerable youth, prove "so therapeutic, so empowering," fostering a supportive environment for success.
Communication, Empathy, Relationship Building, Emotional Intelligence, Vulnerable Populations
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Dan McCauley
Learning Specialist
California Middle School
New York University, 2017
Relay Graduate School of Education, Masters in the Art of Teaching
Education
Education
Education
Former Foster Youth, Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School
Video Highlights
1. Building strong relationships with students and colleagues is crucial for success in education. Small gestures and showing genuine care have a significant positive impact.
2. Remembering details about students' lives (family events, personal challenges) and acknowledging them shows you care and strengthens relationships.
3. Being present and supportive for students, especially those from vulnerable backgrounds, is therapeutic and empowering, fostering a strong foundation for their success and well-being
Transcript
What is one lesson you have learned throughout your career so far that has proven to be really significant?
"People will forget what you said. They'll forget what you did, but they'll never forget how you made them feel." That Maya Angelou quote really resonates with teaching.
The way we consistently engage with our colleagues and our young people is so important. It's often in the little moments.
Instead of just a perfunctory "Hello, how's it going?" when a student is talking to you, try mentioning something specific you remember they said weeks ago. Ask, "Hey, how did your mom's interview go?" or "How did your dad's surgery on his ankle go?"
Those little moments in passing are huge. How do you respond when someone is figuratively going down a roller coaster and having a hard time? How do you meet them in those moments?
How consistently are we making other people feel good? Do you remember when a teacher delivers an awesome lesson or puts extra care into their work? Do you notice?
For young people, especially those from vulnerable backgrounds, these small opportunities to be present are therapeutic and empowering. They build a strong foundation for a relationship that allows a young person or a colleague to thrive.
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