I am about to embark on my 25th year of teaching, and as I do, it has caused me to stop and reflect. Incidentally, this year will also mark my 25th Wedding Anniversary.
Reflection 1: Excitement
I remember the feeling of hope and excitement that ran through me as I started my first year of teaching. Heaven knows I wasn't nearly as prepared as I thought I was, but I sure worked hard to do my best; I was glad for the opportunity to teach. These days, if I am honest, the excitement hasn't been as lively. It is so easy to get bogged down by the negatives happening in the field of education. However, I have decided not to let negativity reflect from me (I'm sure I may slide some, but I hope not). I carry hope that things WILL get better, but even if they don't, I will strive to emit positivity. I am again full of excitement as I start this blogging adventure and launch my TeachersPayTeachers store. I have spent time this summer reflecting on the fact that focussing on new learning takes a lot of brain power, and a brain being used for learning has less time to be used for venting frustrations. Newness breeds excitement, so I hope to never be so stuck in my ways that I won't open myself up to learning new things. I feel revitalized and energized, and ready to share that excitement with my 7th and 8th graders as a new year approaches.
Reflection 2: Time
My goodness, where has the time gone? It seems not that long ago that I was leaving college in search of my first teaching job. Now I am starting my 25th year. As I think about time, the biggest thing that comes back into my mind is the fact that we can't get time back. Once a moment is gone, it is gone. So, let's all strive not to waste any of the moments we are entrusted to share with our students. Time spent preparing is time saved during a lesson. Time spent creating a classroom management system is time saved for on task work. Time spent encouraging students is time saved for their future, when they draw on previous encouragements to help them persevere. I keep this thought, shared with me by a teacher at some time, but I don't remember who: Time is precious for everyone, but for a student with a disability who is already behind, time is even more precious. There is no time to waste in helping someone learn to read, write, do math, organize, or think!
Reflection 3: 25 Years Wiser
I MAY look 25 years older, but I don't FEEL 25 years older. However, I KNOW I am 25 years wiser. There are some things that only experience can teach us. I thought I knew so much about what was best for the students I was entrusted with as a rookie teacher. Now that I am older and wiser, I pass this on. NEVER underestimate what parents can offer in regards to their children. When I was new at teaching, I, mistakenly, thought meetings with parents/guardians were for me to tell them everything I knew about their child as my student, and give them ideas on how to help those students. Now I KNOW that most parent meetings are of just as much benefit to the teacher as the parents/guardians. Of course we need to share our knowledge and ideas with parents/guardians, but we need to take in what they share as well. Even though some students come from families which are much different than mine, different doesn't mean wrong. Different is just different. I've never met a parent/guardian who didn't care about their child, but I have met those whose life circumstances make it appear that way to outsiders. Instead of judging these families, as teachers, we need to work with these families for the best outcome for the student. Parents/guardians are usually most willing to help with school academic or behavior issues involving their children. However, some families, from experience, expect any school contact to be negative. The most important advice I can give a teacher is to take the time to make a positive contact with your students parents/guardians quickly in the school year. Sometimes I make phone calls. Sometimes I send home, in the mail, individual notes letting the parents/guardians know how I have enjoyed getting to know their student (and naming something specific). I have used e-mail as well. It is time well spent, and can change your perspective when working with families.
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