Passes and Hugs

Mellanay Auman, an eighth grade GATE and language arts teacher at Townsend Middle School in Tucson, Arizona

I prepare packets for new teachers that contain six passes to visit my classroom to observe me during their preparation periods. I also advise them to make themselves a hug file. This is a folder where I put all my nice letters from students and parents. Whenever I've had a rough day, I go to my hug file and read some positive thoughts. This always makes me feel better.