Wistful Reflection
I have to admit there are times I long to return to the classroom. Once upon at time I was a middle school science and math teacher. Over those 2 decades my curriculum hardly changed, in fact for 15 years (4 schools, on 3 continents) I taught with the same edition of a Prentice-Hall science series. Periodically I had to adjust the wording and format of the curriculum to reflect the edu-speak of the day – changing from aim, to objective, mastery objective – that sort of thing but essentially the content remained the same. I spent my time reflecting, refining and continuing to develop my craft. Because I was so familiar with the standards and content area, I worked on adapting it to the local environment and adding new tools, strategies and resources. I was not stagnate but could focus on practical effective change. I directed my attention toward my students and their needs. As a result I as a very different educator when I left the classroom then when I entered.
Now I am tech integration specialist and nothing is ever the same. There are always new tools, software, hardware and so much information. I can not catch up, I can not truly reflect, It is never the same one year to the next. Don’t get me wrong I love my job and I love learning all these “techy” things but what was once a “want to” is becoming more a “have to.” I feel like I am flying by the seat of my pants and being more reactive then reflective and purposeful. Which makes me wonder if I am being effective? As a classroom teacher I knew if my students were making progress, now I am not sure if I am being successful.
As a result I have thought about my classroom days and wonder knowing what I know now what kind of classroom teacher would I be? At times I am jealous of the richness of the media, the resources available to support teaching and learning. I just want to dive in the classroom and put it into action.
4 thoughts on “Wistful Reflection”
I can totally relate! There are days I really, really miss the comfort of my English classes going through nouns and verbs (or predicates) and prepositions and run-ons… (kind of like this one). I am connected 24/7 through my laptop, phone, iPad, and more. It is a constant learning curve to stay on top of changing technologies. Teachers ask, “Do you stay online all the time?” Yep. Pretty much. Some days I would love to take what I’ve learned about integrating technology in the classroom and actually *integrate it*.
Hello! It is interesting to hear your thoughts. I myself am an educator, but this is my second year teaching. I also feel like I am flying by the seat of my pants! It is nice to hear another person’s perspective on this whole technology topic. How cool to have the opportunity to teach on 3 different continents!
Beth – I am so with you on this. However, I taught technology for 22 years and my classes changed regularly as the hardware, software, and technology community changed. But now as an Instructional Technology Coach I often wonder if I am making as much of a difference as I’d hoped. As I try to help teachers incorporate technology into their classrooms, I find I miss being in command of my own class…sharing the technology I’ve learned.
I also feel like technology is changing rapidly from year to year. It is hard to keep up with it all! I like how you said you wondered if you were being effective anymore. I think that anytime you can learn something new about technology you are becoming more effective learner and then you can pass on what you learn to help effect at least part of the learning community. Just like you do through your blog!