I Make a Difference

"Jimmy" is a new student to our district this year. "Jimmy" is much more mature physically than his peers, which makes many afraid to talk or even acknowledge him. But "Jimmy" is very soft-spoken, polite, and a respectful young man that is struggling to fit in. One particular day at lunch, I witnessed "Jimmy" sitting alone at lunch on the opposite end of his peers.  I decided it was time to step in and help a guy out. After asking for permission to sit with him, I began a very detailed conversion with "Jimmy" about his school history, travel history, and what he likes to do with his free time.  Meanwhile, other students slowly started to drift over and join our conversation.

Although I wish this scenario was make believe, it helps to pinpoint my main reason for choosing the teaching profession - I want to make a difference in the life of students and help them grow into respectful young-adults.  Almost every teacher can pinpoint that teacher in their life that helped them see the potential they had to become a great teacher and mentor.  And if you ask teachers why they chose this profession, most will respond, "to make a difference in the life of students!"

Why then has our teaching society thrived on the "IT'S NOT FAIR!" culture? Since when has anything in life been fair.  Yes, the teaching profession has taken some major hits - loss of wages, increased class sizes, scrutiny from communities and parents, and the list goes on. Add to the pile the 'in-house' arguments over teaching loads, duties, prep hours, and compensation and we have created a school that pits teachers against one another, instead of working together. 

My district recently made quite a few changes that require teachers to do more.  Elementary teachers now teach health in their classroom, while Middle School and High School teachers are required to pick up a 0.5 hour duty assignment. For some a study hall, others hall monitor, yet others lunch or detention duty.  And yet, quite a few of the teachers have taken it upon themselves to complain that they do more work than the next teacher.  REALLY???  I would be hard pressed to find any teacher that works harder than an Elementary Teacher - teaching all the subject areas, wiping noses, playground rules, tying shoes, and so much more.

I am quite frankly sick and tired of hearing the complaints and whining. As I see it, my extra duty gives me the opportunity to connect with more students, thus raising the chances I have to make a difference in one of their lives. I am grateful for the opportunity to lead students and help them see the potential they have and what they can do. Perhaps it's time to sit back and reflect in the mirror at the teacher we are compared to the teacher we wanted to be.

This reminds me of the following story...a lawyer, a doctor, and stock broker are sitting at a bar enjoying a drink after a long day at work.  All three are marveling in the accolades they have accomplished.  The lawyer points out the fancy sports car he drives and how fast it goes.  The doctor stoically points out the mansion he lives in and all his fancy gadgets than decorate his abode. The stock broker marvels at how much money is in his bank account and his private jet that he uses to travel around the world. As the three are gloating to each other, they notice a man at the end of the bar sheepishly grinning at them and laughing.  "What do you do?" they asked the man.  " I am a teacher," he responded.  The three men erupt in laughter and ask, " and what do you make?"  The teacher simply grins and replies, "I MAKE A DIFFERENCE!"

Moving Education Forward: WE not Me and OURS not Mine!

Off and Running...

While the beginning of the school year requires routine, class policies, and school rules, the start of this school year has been nothing short of crazy and hectic. Between adopting and implementing a new school BYOT policy, transitioning students to a Flipped Math Class, and Technology Rep. duties, I have found myself eager to fine tune the learning environment for students in my math class.  After a great year of math with a new textbook and Common Core State Standards under my belt, I have hit the ground running and will continually look back to reflect.

I continue to be amazed at how responsive the students have been to a dramatically different learning environment. Being able to talk and discuss math, listen to music to focus, and write on desk tops have provided a unique learning environment for students that they too often don't get. One might say my classroom resembles more of a college commons or Internet Cafe shoppe.  Maybe it matches my personality as a teacher and human being, but I want my students to have fun while learning.

Don't get me wrong, the objectives for learning are very clear for students.  I monitor their progress every other day through mini-assessments and differentiate their learning based on their results.  But I have sensed more ownership from students in their own learning by giving them the freedom to learn in an environment that is comfortable to them.  Giving students options as had a tremendous affect on the quality of work being done.

For example, in the first week of school alone I received four emails regarding questions on practice problems and three photo submissions of practice problems.  Students are using the technology available to them and thriving while using it.  While there are still those "old-fashioned" learners showing they are learning, many students are using the desks to write on and show their work.  I have never seen more math work being done in a given period than I do now.

As I continue to try and shift from Letter Grades to Learning Objectives, I am slowly beginning to see the power of student ownership. True learning begins when the student takes ownership in his or her learning environment and wants to be successful because they want to learn. While I know I have a long way to go, I am grateful for the progress students have made and their willingness to work hard and try a technique that might not be so popular!

"Mistakes are proof that you are trying!"