Five Things I'd Do Differently in the Classroom
I enjoy the work I do with Responsive Classroom. I get to travel the world, inspire educators and change the educational landscape for thousands of children, and give and receive honest and empathetic feedback. The conversations I have with educators across the country always makes me consider what I'd do if I were to return to the classroom. These are just a few things I've been thinking about.
1) Give clearer directions. I'd want to make sure that my students always clearly know what they have to do and why.
2) Be a better listener. I used to think I was a good listener. I now realize that I have s tendency to want to solve your problem before I've truly heard everything you have to say. I have learned some valuable questioning strategies that could make this happen!
3) Try not to take things personally. I learned to do this with student behavior during my last years as a classroom teacher. I would also transfer that to colleagues and student families. Teaching is such a personal profession because we infuse so much of ourselves into our work. It's important to remember that someone disagreeing with you is just that - disagreeing.
4) Be more assertive. In the past I heard my colleagues say unkind things about me and did not stand up for myself. I was in evaluative situations that made me incredibly comfortable and said nothing. If I were to return to the classroom I'd make sure I'd speak up for myself and at the very least say, "Stop."
5) Use time more wisely. I used to think that the more time I spent on my job of teaching - planning, creating things, coming in early or staying late - was what defined me as a great teacher. I have since learned that I can be a great teacher without spending 80 hours a week on teaching. I can teach, plan creative and innovative lessons, and still have a personal life in 50 hours or less. Sometimes, less is more and keeping things simple can be incredibly powerful for students.
At this point, I am uncertain whether I would ever return to the classroom. If I were these five items would be my focus for transforming my teaching.
1) Give clearer directions. I'd want to make sure that my students always clearly know what they have to do and why.
2) Be a better listener. I used to think I was a good listener. I now realize that I have s tendency to want to solve your problem before I've truly heard everything you have to say. I have learned some valuable questioning strategies that could make this happen!
3) Try not to take things personally. I learned to do this with student behavior during my last years as a classroom teacher. I would also transfer that to colleagues and student families. Teaching is such a personal profession because we infuse so much of ourselves into our work. It's important to remember that someone disagreeing with you is just that - disagreeing.
4) Be more assertive. In the past I heard my colleagues say unkind things about me and did not stand up for myself. I was in evaluative situations that made me incredibly comfortable and said nothing. If I were to return to the classroom I'd make sure I'd speak up for myself and at the very least say, "Stop."
5) Use time more wisely. I used to think that the more time I spent on my job of teaching - planning, creating things, coming in early or staying late - was what defined me as a great teacher. I have since learned that I can be a great teacher without spending 80 hours a week on teaching. I can teach, plan creative and innovative lessons, and still have a personal life in 50 hours or less. Sometimes, less is more and keeping things simple can be incredibly powerful for students.
At this point, I am uncertain whether I would ever return to the classroom. If I were these five items would be my focus for transforming my teaching.
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