HS SS Teacher in the Philly region hoping to learn about and spread the next wave of choice and student voice in education... I teach stuff... And learn stuff.
New class rules for 2018-19:
1. Just be kind. It’s free.
2. Know that life is not fair. Still, fight for the fair treatment of others.
3. Be brave. Be adventurous. Don’t avoid failure. If something scares you, do it.
4. Respect everyone. Always.
5. Never ever give up.
Grit. Growth Mindset. Might start off the first day of classes with this.
HD - Rocky Balboa (2006) - inspirational speech https://t.co/PehDtK2iL2 via @YouTube
Just be kind... There is always that one kid who never has a pencil. TRY THIS: give them a box of pencils and tell them they are in charge of the pencils. If anyone needs to borrow a pencil, go to that student. I do this in high school, and it works...
Summer's almost over and soon PA kids will head #BackToSchool. #OTD last year, I took action to reduce PSSA testing. This year's exams will be 20% shorter — a full week reduction — and happen later in the year. Teachers will have more teaching time & students more time to learn.
@kgbgvhs what is the name of that study in which people shock strangers because they are told to by someone in a perceived position of authority? Seems relevant...
Showtime’s show “Who is America?” Is vulgar, inappropriate, enlightening, and funny. As educators, it does give us a warning though. People, even adults, are terribly impressionable when someone has perceived authority. Students, even more so...
Our position as a figure of authority is more daunting than we often realize. Best thing we can do, to exemplify proper behavior is best summed up by my colleague @kgbgvhs: “Just Be Kind”
Google has “nap pods” and massage chairs. Perhaps we should think about relatively inexpensive ways to create a better work environment for teachers too. Centered, focused, and comfortable teachers make BETTER teachers.
Couldn’t agree more. This may be controversial, but I believe schools should invest (even a small amount) to fix up their teacher lounges. Great for morale, and great for recruiting the best of the best. For every 20 new library desks, how about one for the teachers break room?
@kgbgvhs Interesting. Although, I think the argument could be made that performance on quizzes and exams isn’t necessarily the best way to evaluate learning.