Capitalize on Strengths to Teach the Teacher

Here’s the situation. Maybe you all could offer an opinion one way or the other.

Last week, I was asked by a coworker if I would be willing to teach writing to all of our 5^th graders next year.  Teach writing for hours on end? I know, I know. Most of you are cringing right now but for me, this is an exciting prospect. Everyone at my school knows how much I love to write, but the feeling is rarely reciprocated. So of course, I leapt at the idea.

Now I like to talk, to bounce ideas off my friends and family, so I told a friend.

*YAWNS* My teacher friend was significantly less than impressed. In her opinion, everyone should continue to learn how to effectively teach writing, or any subject they struggle with. I’ll be the first to admit this. We all have subjects we struggle to teach. I struggle with Science and PE and would do anything to avoid them.

But is that what’s best for the students?

Where Are My Villagers?

You know the saying. It takes a village to raise a child. If that’s true, and I believe it is, then why do I feel like a single parent raising 36 unruly children? Where the *&^% are my villagers?

I’ll tell you where they are. They’re busy with their own lives, completely unaware that their talents could be of use in their local schools. Why? Because no one invited them into the classroom.