It was the worst of times it was the best of time……Ok not really this week has been HARD…REALLY REALLY HARD. For the first time I am at a campus that has been labeled “under performing” even though out kids showed individual growth. Professional Development started with lots of data, drama (it is high school) and now today DREAMS.
I was working on my classroom griping because I had missed measured and was going to have to go buy more fabric. I am a math teacher…really? Then I got to thinking how this is so like my kids. They make simple mistakes; our reaction is what will determine if this is a simple mistake or a huge one. I have heard since the beginning of teaching to “teach like I parent”. Let me tell you this does not work for me. I am lucky I have a child who is responsible, over-achiever, and really easy. I have tried teaching like I parent. I am strict on some things, yell, take things away, sarcasm…this is NOT working for me or them. As I read Teach Like a Campion I owe so many students an apology they deserved a better teacher.
What will I do different? Positive framing, No Opt-Out and NO SCARASAM I am really trying. Out new principal said something powerful "lead with mercy." They are kids, they make mistakes. I really do not think any of them get up in the morning and think “Can I ruin her day.” A gentle correction may work where being a hard nose has not. If this keeps one child encouraged and in school then that is one I have not reached before.
The above quote in on my door, I selected it for the kids but now I see really I was led there for me. This will be the first thing I see when I walk in my room and the last when I leave.
What changes will you make this year?
