The Great Floria

I'm going to focus this entry on what I have been learning from my CT here in Costa Rica. Interestingly enough, I think that the most important thing I've learned from Floria that will help me grow professionally, is how to not be so professional. It sounds strange, but I will try to explain.

Floria's relationship with her students really brings to life the motto "students won't care what you know until they know you care." Having a fun and open relationship with your students makes a huge difference in how they respond to you and your teaching. Watching Floria has taught me that you're never going to be a truly successful teacher if you are focused on being "professional" all the time. Obviously, you can't cross the "friend" line; but walking close to it is a fine art that reaps great benefits.

Floria has also helped illustrate just how important it is to forge good relationships with your co-workers, and to not leave anyone behind in that philosophy (janitors, librarians, etc.) Everyone seems to know Floria here, and it's a good thing. Everyone always smiles when they see her, and it seems like she has an inside joke with everyone here. It's a model of having healthy professional relationships I intend to follow :)