In order to discover my #oneword for 2015, I first had to reflect upon last year. 2014 was a difficult year for me both personally and professionally. Since it was a less than stellar year, I thought, “What is it that I DO want?”
I know it sounds Cliché; Peace for the new year, but for me ‘Peace’ is not as simple as ‘getting along’.
I’m looking for:
cooperation
doing the right thing
being UNselfish
innovation
a sense of self
hope
solutions
communication
honesty
forgiveness
openness
inspiring
inspiration
change
I could go on, but I think you get the idea. Peace – this is the word that I will try to live each and everyday. I will try to teach my students the joy, and complexity, of peace; and I am looking forward to a peaceful year (personally).
Recently an administrator complimented me on all the innovative ways I incorporate technology in my classroom. The administrator then asked how that will translate on this year’s (new) state standardized test. My answer, “I don’t care. I’m looking at the bigger picture,” was most likely not what said administrator was expecting or wanted to hear.
Our education system is out of focus. There will NEVER be successful educational reform in our country until we stop focusing on a test scores (every single year) and start leveling the playing field. Yes, poorer communities need more money because they need more resources. They face greater hurdles. Taking money away from poor communities because they perform worse on tests is like being surprised that you sprained your ankle in a field full of holes. Neither makes sense. Spend money to fix the field, no sprain. Spend money to help fill gaps in poor performing schools, closes educational gaps.
So back to the conversation I had with the administrator. I went on to further explain that what I am teaching the students goes beyond being successful on this year’s test. They are learning to THINK for themselves, ask QUESTIONS, work out problems with others (like the real world), be CREATIVE and seamlessly INTEGRATE TECHNOLOGY, with purpose.
I challenge my students to learn more than what’s in a text book. They are expected to give presentations (large, small, and everything in between), explore new tools (low tech and high tech), talk, take ownership over their learning, and so much more. Many of those expectations can’t be measured on a standardized test.
So how does all that translate to a standardized test? Yup, still don’t care. How does that translate to their success in life; that, I have high expectations for. And from what I’m hearing from the middle school teachers, they are succeeding.
So it’s 2015, Happy New Year, and everyone is making resolutions. I, for one, do not make any resolutions. It’s not that I’m perfect, rather I’m not a fan of setting myself up for failure. Most people treat the resolutions like a sprint – start strong and end quickly. I view changes more like a marathon – slow and steady – for better results.
All the talk about resolutions got me thinking about changes we, as educators, make. We change our approaches year after year; we change lessons (even if we’ve been teaching the same grade for 10+ years); we change our outlooks; we are constantly changing. That’s what keeps us fresh, invigorated, and excited.
And how do these changes occur? Well, some are organic – as times change, so does our approach. Some, more often than not, come through challenges. Those challenges can come from a failed lesson, a problem student, varied ideas from colleagues and administrators. My most significant challenges have led to my most significant changes.
Look, I’m like any other teacher. I would love to have a class full of students that did what I asked the first time around, hung on my every word, and told me that everything I said was great. Fact of the matter is, that kind of class would probably scare me, then I’d get soft – as a teacher.
I’ve learned to be humble and listen to students’ ideas. It’s those students who say, “Can we … instead?” who inspire me and make a lesson better! Recently, I wrote about a student who made my life easier. Frankie suggested a better way for groups to individually turn in assignments on Google Classroom (post). If I did have that class that never questioned me, it would have taken me a lot longer to realize there was an easier way.
Which Led To This Thought…
Does everyone prefer a challenge (not the ones that make you go home and cry)? Or are there those that would rather be surrounded by the ‘yes class’? Upon reflection, I sadly came to the conclusion that there are those who would rather be surrounded by the ‘yes class’ (aka yes people) than face challenges. I have been in one organization or another since childhood. I have been a part of the ‘yes class’ – mainly out of fear of retribution – and I have also been a part of the ‘can we…instead?’ class. Without a doubt, I can say the ‘can we…instead?’ class is not only more enjoyable, but it’s also a more safe and productive environment.
My Point To All This?
Ditch the New Year’s Resolution and challenge yourself. Surround yourself around those that will make you a better person and/or teacher. Seek out others with opposing viewpoints, you can learn a thing or two from them. Even if it’s as simple as ‘that’s NOT what/how I want to be, do, or teach’. Have conversations and accept other’s ideas. Challenges can be good; it’s where we learn and grow.
And have a GREAT 2015 – even if we don’t have those hoverboards just yet.
Nowa Techie 