The art of teaching in today's classroom has less to do with content and more to do with connections. Long gone are the days of standing in front of class, lecturing to students about content. Today's teachers understand the need to be dynamic facilitators of the learning experience, helping to serve and meet each student where he/she is at. While not an easy task by any measure, today's teachers spend countless hours planning, prepping, and serving students to the best of their abilities.
Perhaps that is why I transitioned to Flipped Learning years ago - so that I could better serve the unique needs of my students, while also providing more time and access to me as their teacher. I cannot express how important this transition was in helping me ensure that students were more successful in my classroom. While I started out with traditional lecture, it was the barrage of questions and confusion from students on homework that caused me great alarm. I knew what I was doing wasn't benefiting students.
As I transitioned to Flipped Learning, I quickly became a fan of how collaborative students became. They started asking each other questions, using each other as resources, and providing support in difficult projects. It afforded me the opportunity to really get to know my students on a different level and serve them by tailoring my activities and lessons to their interests. It allowed me to meet with students to know what holds them back from being successful and how to help them see they are capable of being good at math. Further, I can check in with 'advanced' students to know how I can challenge them a little more.
I've learned and grown so much over the years using Flipped Learning. While I initially thought it would help me to be more available to answer their questions and confusion, I've realized there is a greater opportunity to serve each student on an individual level - to show them I genuinely care for who they are, what they want to do, and how they can achieve any goal they set out to complete. Serving students has become a passion that I cannot deny. I enjoy finding ways to engage them in math and learning, while also seeing them for who they are! The art of teaching, in my opinion, has become about getting to know each and every student as an individual and helping them pursue success in life.
The fall semester is quickly coming to an end. This was the first semester in three years in which I had the opportunity to teach a math class. Naturally, I taught using Flipped Learning, a method of instruction and classroom engagement that I wholeheartedly believe in and share as often as I am able. Today I reflect upon what I've learned throughout the semester, as well as how I've grown as an educator in today's ever changing classroom environment.
Students continue to motivate me to want to be better. They help me stay on the top of my game in finding creative and innovative ways to engage them in math. While I realize most college students have a love/hate relationship with math, I am grateful that my approach to learning helps them see how math can be utilized to strengthen their employability skills for a career of choice. Through collaboration, problem solving, and perseverance, students slowly gained confidence in their abilities this semester.
Ever further, I recognized the continued need to help students feel safe and welcome in classroom environment - both in-person and online. The more I was able to connect with them and their interests, the more they came out of their shells and the more responsible they became. Students would email "Running late for tonight's class because...", or even drop me a voicemail to ask questions. It was as if the more I respected and trusted them as students, the more effort and commitment they gave to the class. The value I emphasized on character paid off in big ways.
Personally, I recognized the need to continue to find and adapt activities that would engage students in unique ways. Whether it was mystery problems to solve, teaching others at the white board, or passing the problem, students seemed to enjoy working on math differently using different strategies and activities. Therefore, I continue to connect with my PLN and see what others are doing that I might be able to adapt.
Lastly, I realized how much I missed being with students on a routine basis. Helping to create a sense of belonging while also helping students advocate for themselves is an element that I don't get to often engage in with my current role. I've realized that the passion I have for teaching hasn't gone away, rather it was just laying dormant temporarily. The more I engage with others, asking questions, sharing ideas, and learning how the landscape of tomorrow's classroom is evolving, the more I can tell my passion and heart lie in a classroom.
This past month, I had the unfortunate opportunity of saying good bye to a young man that was taken from this world far too soon. At the young age of 29, he was tragically killed in a vehicle accident. Set to be married in December and an avid hunter and hockey fan, his death came as shock to his family and friends. While it had been at least ten years since I last saw or spoke to him, I was quickly reminded what a great young man he was.
As I waited patiently in what seemed like a never ending line, I caught myself flashing back to those early days of my teaching and coaching career. It was through my early years as a football coach that I met this young man and his family...and all his friends for that matter. Starting in 7th grade, then 9th grade, and finally as a Sophomore on the JV squad. He brought a smile and a wit to every practice, every game! He had this infectious ability to make you laugh, while he worked his tail off to be the best he could be.
And so here I stood, waiting in line to pay my condolences. Surrounded by young men and women who I grew up teaching and coaching, noticing they are beginning to start families, a harsh reality hit me hard. Here lies a young man, destined for great things and eager to start a family, lying in a casket. Nothing in life is guaranteed. While the events of the day left me emotional, somber, and reflective, I quickly realized I miss teaching. I miss connecting with students on a daily basis, providing them a safe, welcoming learning environment that encourages individuality and risk-taking. I miss getting to know them, what their hobbies are, and what they want to do in life.
I have a passion for students - a passion for listening to them, believing in them, inspiring them, motivating them, encouraging them, and empowering them. I have a passion to help students see themselves in a different light than others may. I see teaching as an avenue to engage students in life altering ways, not through curriculum but through trust, honesty, empathy, and passion. For some, I might be the only bright spot in a students day. I must embrace that opportunity and help each student feel welcome, safe, and able to share with me! I love building relationships with students and seeing where they are in 10, 15, or 20 years!
As I pursue moving back into the classroom (insert plug for open math vacancies), I cannot wait for the opportunity to invest in each student and get to know him/her. I am also quickly reminded, we are only given today as a gift and we must choose wisely how we live for today. We have the choice to make the best of each day, approach students with kindness, and share our positive attitude with everyone we encounter.
