It's in the Details

During one of the first few weeks at school back in October, Mr. Carlson, a math teacher whose room is across from the computer lab we use for class spotted me walking down the hallway. My hands were full with a box of Krispy Kreme donuts and a bulk package of chocolate candy that I use as giveaways in class.

He stopped his conversation with a colleague, used his badge to let me in the computer lab and held open the door for me. Before he walked away, he mentioned that he loved peanut M&Ms. Mr. Carlson has let me into my computer lab so many times this school year I have lost count.

After I put my stuff down in the lab, I ran over and gave him the first bag in the bulk pack I was carrying. As I was leaving school a few weeks ago, Mr. Carlson grinned at me. I had just tossed him a pack of peanut M&Ms on my way out the door. He responded shaking the bag in his hand, “wow, your attention to detail is astounding.” I smiled and walked down the hall toward the front office.

At both of the schools that I teach at, the computer lab is locked when it’s not in use and only certain teachers have access to unlock the lab. This is a big change from the seven computer labs I helped manage at a school in another county where the doors where only locked and closed overnight.

There are layers to why this happens but many believe, including me, having locked doors mimics gatekeeping similar to a prison or jail. This is one of the unfortunate ways that so many public schools treat black and brown students almost like prisoners in their own school buildings.

Details like constantly locked doors, remembering colleagues favorite candy, sirens to usher students to class, or sincerely knowing and caring for the actual lives of the students we teach is vital to this profession. Just like being precise, specific, and attention to detail is necessary as a programmer, these skills are necessary for educators too.

Programmers must develop and deeply understand detailed algorithms and get computers and programs to complete tasks, solve complex problems, or even analyze data. Educators must commit to focusing on the details in the lives of our students. I believe this commitment can help solve engagement, differentiation, and instruction related issues in our classroom spaces.  

One of my strengths as a person and educator is that I try to do a good job of listening, paying attention, remembering details, and taking care of those people who take care of me. In almost five months of my work in the Atlanta Public School system, I’ve made an extra effort to listen, pay attention and focus on some of the specific details of the lives of my students. For example:

• Taj loves the artist Super Kyle and will passionately argue is he the best MC out right now.

• Sharon loves colorful, fun socks and even loves Bobby socks too.

• Devontae plays and loves football and is loyal Cowboys fan.

• Alisha has a bad habit of biting her nails she asked me to keep her accountable about it.

• Trent’s favorite type of donut is a Krispy Kreme Oreo donut.

• Jacob sings in the church choir and attends church multiple days a week.

• Arden is a huge fan of Vans shoes.

• Faith is a huge fan of Steven Universe and anime too.

• Diamond is a talented MC and has a unique style and flow

• Alexa likes to dance and bop her head when she completes a task successfully.

• Garrett believes Kevin Durant is better overall basketball player than Lebron

So you may think, these are random details, and you would be right, they kinda are. But they also give you more insight into some of the students I have had the pleasure of working with over the past five months. These individual details I've learned about my students has helped me foster a connection to each student in each of my classes transferring them just from data points to important people.

I believe in doing this, I show my students that I care and indirectly promote learning in my classrooms. The students I have the privilege of working with gives me hope, not necessarily for more computer scientists of color entering the workforce or higher education, but give me hope for humanity and moving the needle of society where everyone can be heard and respected.

The attention to detail makes classes feel like community and place where you are accepted, loved, and safe. Attention to detail makes not only a great programmer but educator too. Modeling attention to details is how I’m trying to help create better computer scientists and humanize learning experiences in my classrooms too.  

And sometimes, all it takes is a package of peanut M&M's to remind someone that you care. 

What can you do or what are you already doing to humanize your classroom? We’d love to hear at gtconstellations@gatech.edu