How Does She Do It?
By Peter Barnes

If you have questions for Ronda Anderson, feel free to e-mail her at randerson@new-albany.k12.oh.us

She never seems to have a bad day. Always smiling, always kind, always willing to help. Not every school has someone so enthusiastic about her job that it affects everyone around her, but my school does. Her name is Ronda Anderson and she's our elementary counselor. Teachers often come to her for advice, or just a respite from a difficult day. Troubled kids follow her down the hall like baby ducks, waiting for her kind words to put them back on track. Her permanently positive attitude raises an obvious question: How does she do it? All of us try to stay positive and upbeat, but let's face it – report cards, difficult parents and standardized tests can chip away at our happy faces as the year drags on.

Building relationships
"The key is to have fun," answered Ronda. "I know teachers worry about losing control, but I think it's important to laugh with your kids. Students need to see the human side of teachers."

Ronda also believes in forming emotional bonds with students. "One year I was teaching third grade and I had this sweet little girl whose parents were getting divorced. Her world just fell apart and I spent much of that year nurturing her and making her feel special. That's what convinced me to try counseling and that teaching is really about building relationships."

To stay energized, Ronda recommends teachers take time for themselves. "I find strength in my spiritual faith, in my family and in helping people," she says. "Whatever makes you a stronger person will also make you a better teacher, so find those things that give you strength and make time for them."

Ronda refuses to let old lesson plans dictate her school year. "I am always asking myself, what are the needs of this year's students and teachers, and how am I going to meet those needs? Once I know that, I can start collecting ideas, look through professional journals, ask for advice and figure out what I am going to do."

Teachers as learners
I was somewhat relieved to find out Ronda doesn't always have fun in her job. "Sometimes you reach out to a kid who is struggling with a social or emotional problem, but the family just doesn't respond to your suggestions. You know the kid is suffering, but you can't figure out a way to help," she said.

Teachers must also be learners if we are to continually grow. We can learn a lot from people like Ronda Anderson. I just hope that after 25 years of teaching, I can still come to school every day with a big smile on my face.

Peter Barnes teaches fifth grade in New Albany, OH.

November/December, 2006, Vol.37, No.3