Blog: At The Teacher's Desk
Post: What I've Learned This YearAuthor: Joe McClung
What I've learned this year was a great article. I agreed with so many points that he made throughout.
First, I can definitely see myself, and many other first year teachers, making the mistake of focusing on what my supervisors are thinking about my teaching. This is a BIG problem. The first step is identifying it and the solution would be redirecting your focus. It is so important that teachers focus is on the students learning rather than what the bosses think of how they are teaching it.
Being flexible is another huge part of being a teacher. I am a planner myself, so I know it is something I will have to work on my first few years teaching. You can NEVER expect things to go perfect or exactly according to plan when working with a child, much less twenty of them at a time! Being able to adjust and go with the flow is so important in keeping a classroom and a lesson plan running smoothly.
I also really liked that he touched on the idea of really listening to your students. Sometimes the teacher is the only person a student can go to. Unfortunately not all children have great home lives. It is important to listen to your students so that you can change your teaching methods for the better, connect with your classroom, give and earn respect, and finally be your students advocate.
I really enjoyed reading Mr. McClung's blog post and am following him now. I look forward to reading other great posts of his which give insight to the work of a teacher.
The more thorough your plans, the better your outcome because you will have time to review or deliver the material differently if your students don't seem to get it during your assessment times. Be sure to start thinking about when and how you are going to listen to all of your students. You are likely to have 25+ kids with elaborate stories to share. How will you show them you care and still have time to teach, plan, evaluate, and review? Maybe you could let them journal down their thoughts, or set up a youtube channel for the to record their stories PUBLICLY (nothing should be sent personally). The options are as limitless as your creativity. Let me know what you come up with!
ReplyDeleteGreat job finding the key points AnnMerritt! You really seem to have touched on every little point that he made!
ReplyDeleteI think that being flexible is one of the biggest things I will have to work on as well! I am a huge planner and have every minute of my life scheduled, but I know when I get in my classroom, I will have to take things day by day, minute by minute!
Great post! Keep up the hard work! We only have a few weeks left!!! Let's make those count!
Thanks for your thoughts and comments guys :)
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