Students Need to Know Teachers Believe in Them. Tracking Undercuts that Message

It’s a quote that has circulated all over social media: “My teacher thought I was smarter than I was, so I was.” 

The origin is unknown, but the quote resonated deeply with educators, especially those in science, technology, engineering and math.

The foundational idea is crystal clear: The adults in schools have the power to shape the identities students build for themselves. This anonymous student got a message from their teacher that they could be more, be “smarter” — and that belief allowed them to become more. 

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