# data[].attributes.body
Definition: Being present in the moment
Importance: Often times we get caught up in everything content related we have to do and don't take time to be present with our students and listen to them. We tell them to "hold that thought" or "you can tell the story later/at recess" instead of taking a few seconds to listen to what they have to say. This also means giving your students your attention. Take time to show them you care both by talking with them and just sitting in silence.
Strength: One of my strengths is woo. I love to make people feel heard. Often this means that I ensure my students are listening to each other whether that is during morning meetings or sharing their thoughts during math or ELA.

I chose the image, not for the spiritual meaning, but because we often are thinking about numerous things, but being present means putting those things on hold to be with that person.

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Definition: Making yourself available to the person that needs you in that moment.
Importance: I think that it is very important to be present and stop what we are doing when they need to talk to us.  Sometimes we may only be the only person that takes the time to hear what they have to say. It shows them that there is someone there for them.
Strength: I think that stopping and listening to my students is a strength.  I try really hard to make sure that I am available to students when they come to talk to me.

I chose this image because sometimes our presence is a gift to the students whether we know it or not because we may be the only person that gives them that time during the day.

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Definition: Presence can be described as being physically, mentally and emotionally invested in the moment.

Importance: Presence can be very important for a classroom space. Students need to feel heard and showing them you are present can really support your relationship with the student.

Strength: One of my strengths is empathy which helps me understand the need for connection. Involving a students' voice within the classroom is so important and can help support our class community. If I am not spending time being truly present, I may be making them feel like they are not  valued.

I chose this image because it can be helpful to also think about the antonyms of presence. This helps create a picture in my head of what presence is truly like and what it is not.

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Definition:
Being physically and mentally engaged in a situation or moment.

Importance:
Presence is important as educators because it is our job to be active and engaged in our students and our classroom. Students look to us as a constant in their lives, so we have a responsibility to really be there for them, both physically and mentally. Being present helps build a stronger classroom culture as well because students feel supported.

Strengths:
Ironically, one of my strengths makes focusing on presence difficult. One of my strengths is futuristic, and with this, I am always looking to the future, which can be challenging sometimes to stay present. But my top strength was individualization, and with this I help elevate an individual's strengths. So with this strength, I need to be present in order to be engaged and learn about individuals so that I can help them elevate their potential.

Image:
I chose this image because it is something I need to be reminded of often. I have a lot on my mind, but being present and mindful requires me to engage in living in the moment.

# data[].attributes.body
Definition: Presences is being involved physically, mentally, and emotional in a moment.
Importance: Presence is important in the classroom because everyone needs to feel heard. It is important for teachers, and students, to listen to others actively with an  open mind. This allows community members to trust one another.
Strength: One of my strengths is individualization. By being present, students are able to share about their lives. By being present, I am able to have an individual relationship with each student.
I chose this image because being in the moment can lead to enjoyment. Too often, people multitask and forget to stop and enjoy the moment they are in. By being present, we can all enjoy the moment.

# data[].attributes.body
Definition: Presence is the mindful, physical, and emotional attachment granted to an individual or group of individuals. Presence is important to a successful classroom as it helps establish a caring community, promotes connection among all members, and allows respect to flourish. Being present in a classroom is crucial for effective learning.

I consider my ability to relate to my students as an asset to being present in the classroom. Relating to the interests of my students allows me to display my presence to them - it shows I care about what they are saying as not only a student but also a person. Making connections to others is a way of being present, and I believe I am strong in this area. My picture represents how presence is a gift to those you grant it to.

# data[].attributes.body
Definition: Being in the moment physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Importance: Being present is paramount in the classroom. Students need to know you are actively listening to help build relationships. I truly believe students need to be seen and heard by supportive adults.

Strength: One of my Clifton strengths is Input. I feel that input works with being present and actively listening to enhance my connection with students. Being present and listening helps me remember what students and I have spoken about, so that I can follow up later.

I chose this image because it is symbolic of presence itself. Sailors along Lake Michigan used to take a rock and place it on others to create a tower when they came ashore. Presence is linking yourself to others for a moment in time. Presence is being in the moment and being grounded to it and others.