Prepare to grab the tissues as you watch a heartwarming video showcasing educators sharing personal messages with students, letting them know just how extraordinary they are. This inspiring clip, featuring a group of teachers from Oak Grove High School in Kansas City, Missouri, is bound to tug at your heartstrings.
Creating Uplifting Moments
In a bid to create uplifting moments for their students, the faculty initiated a “Kindness Initiative.” Teachers took the time to express to each student individually how special they are, reinforcing the idea that they are the reason teachers look forward to each school day. “I want you to know that you motivate me to improve as an educator, and you inspire me to come to school every day. You are truly amazing, so keep shining,” one teacher, Sarah Johnson, tells her student at the beginning of the video.
Encouraging Appreciation
Johnson, who leads the school’s program for at-risk sophomores and juniors, encouraged her colleagues to share their appreciation directly with students. “Last spring, another teacher had students write letters of gratitude to their teachers. I thought, why not turn the tables?” Johnson explained in an interview with Good Morning America. “We genuinely care about our students, but often they don’t realize that.”
Transforming Student Anxiety
When the students were called out of class, their initial thoughts were filled with anxiety—“Oh no, what did I do?” Johnson recounted. “They all assumed they were in trouble, asking themselves if they forgot to submit an assignment. We reassured them, saying, ‘No, just stand here for a moment.’” Unfortunately, student-teacher interactions tend to lean negative, and this was concerning for Johnson. “Whether they are a model student or a bit of a troublemaker, they often think they’re in hot water.”
However, this time was different. Instead of facing consequences, students were met with heartfelt affirmations of their value. The expressions on their faces shifted from worry to surprise, and many were visibly moved—some even shed tears of joy.
The Impact of the Kindness Initiative
The entire Kindness Initiative spanned about three weeks, and Johnson reflected on the positive response from students. “They felt uplifted, saying things like, ‘That was such a great experience for my day,’” she shared. Teachers frequently approached her days later, saying, “I’m having a tough day; let’s do another video.”
The staff at Oak Grove High School decided to share the video online, hoping to inspire other educators to foster strong connections with their students. With nearly 200,000 shares on Facebook, it’s clear that the message is resonating widely. “The key takeaway is to always spread positivity,” Johnson emphasized. “A simple smile or compliment can go a long way.”
Further Resources
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Conclusion
In summary, the Kindness Initiative at Oak Grove High School beautifully illustrates the impact of positivity and appreciation in the school environment. By expressing gratitude to students, teachers have fostered a culture of encouragement and support, reminding everyone of the importance of recognizing individual value.