As a brand new teacher I believed I could go thorough my scripted lesson plan, and point like a conductor to select students who I could guide through to the desired out comes. I believe that if they played along, paid attention and did the work I provided they would all learn and be successful on the tests. If we all just followed the lesson all would be well. But…. there was always the fidgety kids in the back who…
Summer is a time for relaxation and renewal for educators. It is the season where we recharge the batteries, reflect on our success and failure and rethink what we will do next year. During this “down time” many educators participated in curriculum writing and professional development. Tim Holt recently shared his thoughts on professional development are we preparing cooks or chefs? They echo some of my thinking. I dislike the term “training” I am often asked if I will be…
Earlier this week I spent a good chunk of time in a waiting room at Children’s Hospital Boston. The patients ranged in age from infants to the early 20’s. One thing was common for all the school/college age children, everyone was doing homework and every parent, myself included, was trying to get their child to focus on schoolwork. I heard echoes of the following: “Please just get your homework done, I don’t need another call” “You are missing lots of…
Ryan Bretag’s March post** …Aren’t Good Enough, really hit on something I have been struggling with myself. In my responsive post I listed some questions I am focusing on and will discuss with anyone who will listen. Here are my thoughts on my first questions. How do we get teachers/administrators to use and see the value of these tools for themselves and their students? (In my opinion Hurdle #1) First let me preface that the educators who ‘get it’ sign…
Ryan Bretag’s recent post …Aren’t Good Enough has hit a cord with me. I commented on the post, but felt the need for a longer response. Ryan speaks to two issues that have been haunting him for some time; Pockets of Greatness aren’t Good Enough Learning spaces that live and die with the teacher aren’t Good Enough Now I cling to these pockets of greatness or excellence as a sign of hope. There are days I am so overwhelmed by…