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.

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.

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.