Something happened today during my planning period and I just wanted to know others(specifically teachers or people in the education systems) opinions. I teach gifted and talented at an Elementary school. I'm 46 and have been a teacher for 22 years. We have some new teachers this year. Many are freshly out of college. We have a new 5th grade teacher and he seems pretty young. MAYBE 24. I was on my planning period and walked through 5th grade hall and heard him telling his students that all he wants from them is to give him the absolute best they can give and that grades aren't everything. For some people the best they can give is a C in math and that's okay. He wants to help them to possibly move their best up but as long as they are giving him the best they can do he will never be upset with them. I get the sentiment. I really do. However I think encouraging C's is not good practice. Especially when you're supposed to be preparing these kids for middle school. Letting kids know that you are okay with C's can make them think it's okay not to try. I just stepped in and "Mr___. With all due respect, I think you should be encouraging the kids to strive for A's. Whole C's can get degrees, whether or not you are accepted into a college even if you are smart and have everything they are looking for can depend on that one C. They may choose little Timmy who got that A in algebra. You all want to try to aim for an A. They're more important than you think!" I was just trying to offer some wisdom but 5 minutes ago during my lunch he told me next time I have something to say don't undermine him in front of his entire class. I wasn't trying to undermine him. I'm a veteran teacher and was trying to give a new teacher some solid advice. Should I have just shut up and kept it to myself?