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.

NO SUGARCOATING ALLOWED!

Dear Teachers,

Sugarcoating the truth doesn’t do anyone any good, least of all our students. Our students trust us.  They deserve to be told the truth.

A student once asked me, upon receiving a poor test score, "How did that happen?" Didn't he know? He rarely came to school and when he did, he wore a superior attitude on his shoulder. Kids don't realize that the choices they make affect their lives every single day. At some point in time, someone has to sit them down and explain it.

Personally, I have no trouble telling my students when they are being rude or lazy. If I want my students to think about how their actions affect themselves and others, then I have to be willing to go there and show them.

It isn't fun, it might cause tears, and you might get a couple of angry parent phone calls. But it's important. I always warn my parents and students at the beginning of the year. I'm strict and I call a spade a spade. I have frequent, honest conversations with my kiddos. Call it tough love but it works. My kids know their boundaries, know my expectations, and they know when they’ve disappointed me, or made me proud. With any luck, my students will someday, ten years from now, thank me for being honest with them.

Speak Honestly

Too often teachers barricade themselves in their classrooms. They shut themselves off from their peers, avoid their administrators, and try to teach their students the best way they can. Understandable, but are we really doing ourselves any favors?

Teachers need to communicate, need to learn from others. I value the experience and education of my peers but there never seems to be enough time to discuss all the ins and outs of effective teaching. If only there was some easy, magical way for teachers to keep in touch.

Rules to Live By

Think globally and reason critically to seek wisdom.

Listen thoughtfully and speak honestly to seek truth.

Create genuinely and laugh loudly to appreciate life.

Breathe deeply and live passionately to love unconditionally.

Change Starts With You

A few months ago, a trio of teachers walked into a principal’s office. They had a three page list of ideas that could revolutionize their school . . . as long as their principal was willing to play along. The list covered topics such as staff morale, parent involvement, and student involvement. Flash forward a few months and everything about the school seems different . . . better somehow. The teachers smile more. Goodies appear in the staff room for no reason at all. Students flock to join new clubs. There’s joy again in the hallways. So how did they do it? All it took was a simple attitude adjustment. So here are the ten steps to creating an education revolution.

Note to Self

Minimum day + last day before Winter Break + Math test = REALLY BAD IDEA

I guess the excitement of the impending holidays has wiped fractions right out of my student's brains. Won't make that mistake next year!