Reflections on Good Teaching Practices

Early teachers in elementary remembered as mainly White or Asian.
Teachers not recalled as being particularly mean.
Experiences at mini-corps involved working in classrooms, where a teacher named Mary Choppa emphasized that "art is never wrong." This idea left a lasting impact.
Memory of a strict teacher in Mexico who would discipline students by pulling ears.
Recollection of a second-grade teacher who brought bagels to class after reading a story about a boy and his dad making bagels. This teacher is remembered for nurturing and bringing reality into learning. This made a significant impact.

Nurturing approach is key, similar to treating students like "little nieces and nephews."
Challenges in not being able to hug students.
Attachment to students, especially those needing extra care, such as a student named Valentina.
Difficulty at the end of each year due to the strong bonds formed with young students.
Students often mistake teachers for their mothers, which evokes emotions.
Belief that nurturing students prepares one for motherhood.

Objection to labeling kids as "good students;" preference for labeling behaviors.
Emphasis on curiosity, encouraging students to form their own opinions.
Importance of students asking questions and having their own thoughts.
Personal experience of being a chatty student driven by curiosity.
Observing similar curiosity in a younger brother and its positive impact on academic performance.
Preference for using adjectives like "curious" and "hardworking" instead of "good."
Importance of being specific in feedback rather than saying "good job."
Mentor's advice to avoid vague language like "this" and to define what is being referred to specifically.