Jen Stover

Summer Days Ahead, But Futures to Ponder

Educators, as you prepare to wrap up a busy and full year, do this: ....slow down, take a deep breath, reflect on your year.  The end is near!!

Time for summer, a well-deserved break for both you and the learners you taught each and every day. Time to reflect, rejuvenate, appreciate all that transpired during another year hard at work in academia.

But, really, I know how it goes....you won't completely relax.  You won't completely forget.  Your mind will always be thinking of some small piece of work, the year ahead, the tasks that are coming, the kids you will teach in the year ahead and the challenges you will all face.

Can I give you one thing to kick around in your mind over the summer months?  One thing we educators all truly know, but sometimes forget?  And, will you promise me that when you return to the classroom in August, you will keep this written at the top of your lesson plan notebook?

• Take your time, take your time, take YOUR time....to really KNOW your kids.  Their strengths, their weaknesses, their loves, their fears, their learning styles, their lives.  Put the OVERWHELM off to the side, address it little by little, the work will always be there.  Without really learning about your kids, how can you authentically and effectively teach them, anyway? 

• REMEMBER, authentic means the learning needs to "mean something" to them and their lives.  How can we do that unless we find the right way to teach them, only through an understanding of them as a child, not as a "student" in my class.  Take a little time over the summer to really think about the learning in your classroom.  What can you do to keep your learners' passion alive throughout the year?  What can we do to show them that learning is important and worth their time?

Teach them to be curious about their world, build their imaginations, help them learn to persevere, have courage, be self-aware and adaptable.  This CAN be done and needs to be done in every classroom, every year. 

I know it takes work, and it takes time.  It takes true commitment.  But, the learning that happens in your classroom will go far beyond the walls in which you teach. 

Use some time over the summer to ponder these things.  In the fall, you will be ready for your students in a way you never knew you could be. 

And, if you need a book to help you teach all these lessons, I have one in mind!
(Just check out Classroom Habitudes, by A. Meiers)

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7 Traits of Great Teachers

Today I came across an article which summarizes a reseach study of effective teachers and the qualities they posses. 

When I read this, I nearly jumped for joy.

We need staff development (and preservice teacher training) based on:

"The seven secrets behind great teaching"

(Published in TES Magazine on 8 May, 2009) - published in the UK

 Check out what they listed as the "secrets" effective teachers put into practice:

1. They build confidence

Many pupils suffer from low self-esteem, basing their aspirations on celebrities and feeling disappointed when their lives don’t match up, so teachers have to build confidence in abundance.

2. They’re not afraid to make difficult decisions

The decisions teachers make on a day-to-day basis have a profound impact on children’s lives. It seems natural then, that 57 per cent of participants have a strong or extremely strong preference for authority, meaning that they are comfortable making difficult or unpopular decisions.

3. They develop others

This behaviour is collectively the most prominent among teachers. It is one of the involving behaviours and as well as developing your pupils, it’s about developing your own and others’ capabilities by providing opportunities for career development, giving coaching and constructive feedback or setting aside a specific budget for training.

4. They’re good communicators

Being able to communicate well is fundamental to teaching and all teachers provided evidence of this. “This is an inspiring behaviour and is about getting the same message across to a range of abilities,” says Ms Henshilwood. “It’s also being able to communicate across the board - from parents to colleagues, the wider community and to pupils.”

5. They’re non-conformists

Teachers may get frustrated with pupils who insist on asserting their individuality at every opportunity, but it turns out that they are just as averse to conforming: 87 per cent have a low or extremely low preference for conformity as a personality trait.

6. They thrive in the company of others

While a vast proportion of the population spend their working life in front of a screen, teachers spend most of their professional life in front of children. So it’s good to know that teachers enjoy the company of other people and there is a strong leaning towards fellowship among this group: 31 per cent show an extremely high preference and 44 per cent are above average for this extroverted personality trait.

7. They see the bigger picture

Just over half of the teachers interviewed show a low or very low preference for detail in the results of the personality test. This suggests that they prefer to look at the strategic objectives rather than get involved with the minute details of planning or administrative tasks, says Ms Henshilwood.

For those of you in the classroom, or those thinking of entering the field of education, this is a strong reminder of what it takes to be a success.  For the benefit of our students, for the benefit of OUR future.

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The 21st Century Classroom

When I think about education and the 21st century, I think about the reframing of our relationships with students.  This applies to teachers, administrators, anyone involved in education K-12.

The stronger the relationship you have with your learners, the more positive of learning experience your student will have.  Seems like common sense?  Why aren't teachers making this our number one priority, over grades, lessons, etc.

I have had 3 years away from the elementary classroom; 5 away from my own homeroom of first graders.  Having had that time away, I have had lots of moments when I looked back, knowing what I know now as a parent and educator in higher ed, and think, "I wish I could go back and do that over again, this time doing........."  The should-a, could-a, would-a's!  I know that is a waste of brainpower in some ways, but it has enlightened me in my role as consultant and adjunct professor.

I know teachers break their backs meeting the needs of their kiddos. I was there once, 9 years teaching in elementary.  It was a hectic day from the moment you woke up in the morning, 'til you sat down on the couch at night.  And, even then, your students were STILL on your mind.  Then, you wake up the next day, start all over again.  I have seen many of my colleagues shed tears over their students, in both good times and bad.  Each class you have places a permanent stamp on your heart.  Deep down, we're all in it to make a difference in the world, I don't care what some say, teachers know that's what's happening in this job.  For better or for worse.

What I propose is this (very simplistic thinking): 

Build the relationship FIRST with your students, create the lessons and learning experiences second.

• It is only by having a strong bond of respect and love for your students (yes, I said LOVE, even for those who try your patience, everyday) that you help them to become their best.  They absolutely HAVE to know you believe they can do it, even when you aren't so sure yourself if they can.  If you set the expectation, they will rise to the occasion.

I believe the 21st century homeroom should operate in this way:

• an environment of respectful, open communication,
• sense of ownership by all persons involved,
  
• a safe place where your thoughts can pour out,
  
• clear expectations set for all learning experiences,
  
• and an adult learner (teacher) who is thought-provoking, structured, respect-worthy, and most of all, in LOVE with the students doing the learning in that classroom.  Even when they don't feel like it. 

• Technology should be integrated into the classroom in all subject areas and discussions, so that kids see it as a "tool" for learning and not as another subject for teaching. Again, it is a TOOL, not a subject area!  As an educator of all these up and coming adults, we must teach them to be absolutely comfortable with it, understand its power, the implications of how it works, the safety behind using it, and the beautiful experiences it can bring to their life. 

Not only will this 21st century classroom change the lives of the students involved, it will change the lives of the educators. 

Believe it or not, I think teaching will be much, much easier.  Motivating students will no longer be difficult, discipline issues will decline (the amount of chatter may increase, but hey, that's what we want, right?), and their students' learning experiences will be powerful and  authentic. 

It will be nothing short of amazing.

Stay tuned as I write more on this topic in the weeks and months ahead!

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Thank you, Atlantic!

A very quick post and HELLO to my NEW FRIENDS at Washington Elementary School in Atlantic, Iowa!!

In a few weeks, my team  and I are returning to Atlantic to work with the teachers, supporting them as they examine their curriculum planning, especially in regards to the implementation of the Iowa Core  Curriculum. 

Our meeting went longer than expected, but for an amazing reason.  These teachers are passionate about being able to provide the very best, research-based program for their students, to ensure they are preparing 21st century learners, not 20th century. 

Can't wait to tell you more......and I will! 

I hope to begin planning this week, preparing some resources for the staff to pick through and choose what best fits in their curriculum.  I can't wait to hear what they have to say!!

So, to you all in Atlantic, thank you for the warm welcome.... see you soon!

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