Sometimes I am asked if other educators can come to our classroom, just to see. Just to visit, just to speak to our incredible students. Sometimes I am asked when would be a good time for such a visit. When will our classroom be ready. Never, I think to myself. Right now, I think to myself. Maybe tomorrow, or next week, or maybe the last day of school.
Because there is no day that is perfect in our classrooms. There is no lasting moment when we feel we have mastered this year or mastered our content. There is no point in the year when we know that from here on out all will be right, all will work, all will be figured out. There is always more work to do. Moment filled with greatness only to once again be faced with the truth that we still have so much to do. There are always ways to grow. There are always more experiences to create and student experiences to be a part of.
So before we get scared to open our doors to strangers, to those who just want to see, to those who perhaps see something in you that you do not see in yourself, remember this; we are all a work in progress. We are all still learning. We are all having days that feel so great followed by days that don’t. We all have moments where we realize that today was not the best of our days but then hope that tomorrow will be.
So we are all a work in progress and such we all have much to share. We are all a work in progress, with so much still to learn. Do not be afraid of opening your door and letting the world in. We are all in this together.
I am currently working on a new literacy book. While the task is daunting and intimidating, it is incredible to once again get to share the phenomenal words of my students as they push me to be a better teacher. The book, which I am still writing, is tentatively Passionate Readers and will be published in the summer of 2017 by Routledge. So until then if you like what you read here, consider reading my book Passionate Learners – How to Engage and Empower Your Students. Also, if you are wondering where I will be in the coming year or would like to have me speak, please see this page.
Pernille Ripp 
Reblogged this on dyslexic annie's Blog.
Reblogged this on Ripper's Chatter and commented:
Great perspective on classroom visits. I love allowing people in my classroom. There are days I think we had our best lesson, then there are others that I think I can toss. I think the positive is that people have a different perspective and can give you some new ideas. Plus I always get new ideas on how to improve the lesson.
Thanks for sharing
Great post. Dave Burgess says something similar in TLAP. It helps me to remember that we’re never done improving, which makes the so-so days or bad days easier. I’m continuing my trials in getting rid of extrinsic motivation. So far so good! It’s a work in progress, too. I just bought another one of your books. Can’t wait to read it! Thanks for sharing your passion.
Ann
I especially want to thank you for ending the pose with, “We are all in this together.” It really bothers me when education is portrayed as a competition—among students, teachers, schools, states, nations, etc.—which is so very far from my lived experience in the classroom.
After a tough Monday, this was good to read. i am feeling so less than perfect but know that tomorrow will be better. Thanks.
HI Pernille,
This post is going to resonate with many educators.
We work with many teachers and hear stories similar to what you mentioned in your first paragraph – we never feel ready. That is the beauty of it all, it is a work in progress, we are all developing along with the children we teach and inviting others into our workspace makes us vulnerable but it also allows us to learn from each other.
Fabulous post. Will definitely share,
Robyn