Leon Smith, a Haverford High School teacher inspired by the teachers who resonated with him as a young boy starts each class by saying “I know you. I believe in you.”  He’s a demanding teacher but with high levels of love and support. He’s looking for talent and ambition that may not be recognized – it’s his way of saying “I see you, now I want to hear you”.

His belief in students accompanies an expectation that they develop their abilities. Encouragement has something behind it: attention to the person and recognition of a strength. Smith uses what he calls morning circles, individualized feedback and lessons that help students find their voices.

Teaching is not just lecturing, testing or writing papers because students remember when they feel capable – they are responding to mentors who make them see a future standing before them.

Your belief in someone may help them see a future they cannot yet see for themselves.

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