So, it is that time again where one year ends and another starts. And, I have to say, 2013 was one of my favourite years of my teaching career so far.
I think 2013 was my learning curve year. I really learned so many great things from kids, educators, specialists, and just from sitting back and watching.
Here are my big take-aways from the year:
1. Throw Away Your Rule Book
I only got better at teaching when I realized that there was so much more to know about teaching than I ever thought. Get rid of the idea of what teaching looks like and just do what feels right. Attempt things outside your comfort zone.
2. You Don't Need a Title/Position to be a Leader
I really want to be an administrator someday. Right now, I am really loving being a teacher. My friend asked me, "What would you do as an administrator anyway?" I told her I would model the beliefs of our school to others, inspire other teachers to be their best, expose teachers to new/alternate perspectives regarding best practices in education, build relationships with every student in the school, be a lead learner, help create a safe/respectful space for students and staff to be in, and the list went on. My friend then says, "Why don't you just be the person you are describing Jenn...you don't need a title to be that person. You can be that person right now if you want to." If you want to be a leader, just be one.
3. Work for People Who Are Just as Passionate About Education as You Are
Find an admin that visits your classroom often, takes time to go out in the playground or basketball court with students, gives you suggestions when things aren't working, bounces ideas off staff members, or sits in the hallway with their laptop on a tiny child's chair and a table on wheels just so they can interact with students. These are qualities of a great administrator. Work for these people.
4. Collaborate Often
I met an amazing teacher, Mary Bertram (@mlbertram), who was only a couple steps down the hall from me in 2013. She let me bounce ideas off her like crazy. We instantly clicked and have been collaborating ever since. Even after she left RVS, we continued to collaborate on projects and even presented at SAGE together. She is still often on the other end of my phone. Invite educators into your room and plan lessons with them. You WILL learn something.
5. Be Positive at Work
Smile. Be friendly. Speak well of everyone. Treat everyone like they are the best. It changes the whole dynamics of the workplace.
6. Wander
Spend time in the hallways on your lunch break. Go out in the playground when it is not your duty. Greet people in the mornings by name. I have seen some of the coolest things happen during these times.
7. Be Human
Yes, you are a teacher...but you are also human. Show emotion. Apologize when you're wrong (you will be wrong). Make sure you balance your home life and school life (it is easy to burnout). Share your story with others.
8. Always Do What is Best For Kids
I've learned how to be flexible and do things differently than I used to because at the end of the day, we need to do what is best for kids. Take yourself out of equation in any situation in school and ask, "What is best for this child? What does this child need?" Do what is best for kids.
9. Listen
Do more listening than talking. "Most people do not listen with the intent to understand. Most people listen with the intent to reply (Stephen Covey)." Listen with the intent to understand.
10. Teach Like a Pirate
Plan the most amazing lessons for students. Spend time creating lessons that engage students. Create a hook and leave students wanting more. Learning should be fun and interesting. "If you haven't failed in the classroom lately, you aren't pushing the envelope far enough (Dave Burgess)."
I think 2013 was my learning curve year. I really learned so many great things from kids, educators, specialists, and just from sitting back and watching.
Here are my big take-aways from the year:
1. Throw Away Your Rule Book
I only got better at teaching when I realized that there was so much more to know about teaching than I ever thought. Get rid of the idea of what teaching looks like and just do what feels right. Attempt things outside your comfort zone.
2. You Don't Need a Title/Position to be a Leader
I really want to be an administrator someday. Right now, I am really loving being a teacher. My friend asked me, "What would you do as an administrator anyway?" I told her I would model the beliefs of our school to others, inspire other teachers to be their best, expose teachers to new/alternate perspectives regarding best practices in education, build relationships with every student in the school, be a lead learner, help create a safe/respectful space for students and staff to be in, and the list went on. My friend then says, "Why don't you just be the person you are describing Jenn...you don't need a title to be that person. You can be that person right now if you want to." If you want to be a leader, just be one.
3. Work for People Who Are Just as Passionate About Education as You Are
Find an admin that visits your classroom often, takes time to go out in the playground or basketball court with students, gives you suggestions when things aren't working, bounces ideas off staff members, or sits in the hallway with their laptop on a tiny child's chair and a table on wheels just so they can interact with students. These are qualities of a great administrator. Work for these people.
4. Collaborate Often
I met an amazing teacher, Mary Bertram (@mlbertram), who was only a couple steps down the hall from me in 2013. She let me bounce ideas off her like crazy. We instantly clicked and have been collaborating ever since. Even after she left RVS, we continued to collaborate on projects and even presented at SAGE together. She is still often on the other end of my phone. Invite educators into your room and plan lessons with them. You WILL learn something.
5. Be Positive at Work
Smile. Be friendly. Speak well of everyone. Treat everyone like they are the best. It changes the whole dynamics of the workplace.
6. Wander
Spend time in the hallways on your lunch break. Go out in the playground when it is not your duty. Greet people in the mornings by name. I have seen some of the coolest things happen during these times.
7. Be Human
Yes, you are a teacher...but you are also human. Show emotion. Apologize when you're wrong (you will be wrong). Make sure you balance your home life and school life (it is easy to burnout). Share your story with others.
8. Always Do What is Best For Kids
I've learned how to be flexible and do things differently than I used to because at the end of the day, we need to do what is best for kids. Take yourself out of equation in any situation in school and ask, "What is best for this child? What does this child need?" Do what is best for kids.
9. Listen
Do more listening than talking. "Most people do not listen with the intent to understand. Most people listen with the intent to reply (Stephen Covey)." Listen with the intent to understand.
10. Teach Like a Pirate
Plan the most amazing lessons for students. Spend time creating lessons that engage students. Create a hook and leave students wanting more. Learning should be fun and interesting. "If you haven't failed in the classroom lately, you aren't pushing the envelope far enough (Dave Burgess)."