Maslow before Bloom’s

The first time I heard this term was on Scott England’s podcast. I was so struck by the concept that I added some slides to my Poverty Practitioner workshop presentation. What a powerful way to think.  We need to meet their greatest personal needs before we meet their educational needs. This is definitely a useful mindset for those hoping to make an impact on their low-income students.

This concept became our reality when the COVID-19 shutdown took place and we found ourselves without our students. It is a proud moment when I see news stories and posts about the work of school staff providing the basics like food and social service support. Sometimes the best way to adopt a new mindset is to be pushed into it by things out of your control. The education community and risen to the occasion and brought life to the concept and in many places has been taken to a new level.  This proves we have always been “essential” employees because we serve our state’s most essential resource.

This also applies to us. We feel the void emotionally when our most vulnerable students’ progress and  health is no longer in our hands.  I have said before that heartbreak is a trait of a great teacher. This has certainly been tested with recent events. It is hard to hear one of your teachers express their worry and concern for kids they know need them. It’s hard for me to get emails from kids asking when we get to come back and if I can help them get medication if they run out. If you are feeling stressed out, you are not alone. This is not time to sit out. Our kids need you to be just as dependable as you have before.

The challenge now is can we continue the idea of Maslow before Bloom’s after this crisis is over?  Have we experienced enough to make this a permanent mindset?  I say don’t stop what we have started. Don’t stop feeding them physically and emotionally. Don’t stop making them feel wanted and included.  These thangs carry far more value than any learning packet. We also know that the brain will respond better when their emotional needs are met and those learning packets won’t be so bad. But hey, look who I’m preaching to. The best people on Earth.

Lastly, I need to give a special thanks to the Illinois PTA. They recently named me the Administrator of the Year and I am very appreciative and humbled by the honor.  Since my very first year as a building principal, I have understood the partnership between myself and the families that I serve. I take that connection very seriously and I have been blessed with great parent group members. A couple years ago we affiliated with the PTA and that relationship has proven to be a huge benefit to our parents and families. On behalf of Central Junior High School, I would like to thank the Illinois PTA for what they do for our schools and families.