Monday, July 20, 2015

A Changing Profession, Many Challenges, Change, Change, Change

       There have been so many changes to my profession since  my career began, but the biggest changes have been in the last four years. Changes in curriculum, changes in methodology, changes in technology, changes in expectations--SO MUCH CHANGE! 

       This week, as I spent time working on revising curriculum maps with colleagues, we all remarked about how things change so constantly, you never know for sure if things are really any better or worse because it never stays the same for more than one year. Use of materials, changing from a text to a module, chunking material rather than spiraling, transitioning from one writing program to another--constant change. I know some of the changes I may have complained about at first, have shown to be good changes and challenges in the long run. Are they all? Not all, in my opinion, but I must admit that I have seen benefits from some of the challenges that were placed along the way.
      I am still changing--but as an eclectic educator and eclectic learner myself I feel that new and old ways should be blended for best results.To always say THIS technique is best for teaching or THAT technique is not as good, I feel is dependent on the situation. Unfortunately, we have seen through the years that trends tend to take over in education like the flavor of the month at your favorite ice cream stand. We can't forget the other flavors just because one particular one is featured. The new ideas are terrific--but  (as the saying goes) everything in moderation is usually best.

     One thing that hasn't changed is our reason for doing all this--for our students. Sometimes it pains me to see people either do too much or not enough with the kids in mind. Big business should not be calling the shots for our students, nor should folks who haven't been closely  involved in working with kids. You do what you do for the benefit of the kids. It may be saying yes to something not in your comfort zone--like trying a blog in your classroom or trying a new technique or even just giving up one of your lunch times so they enjoy having lunch in the classroom after earning that reward.It could be say NO when it was best--taking away a free-time reward if not earned, not being able to do a project if they aren't ready, or sometimes, saying no, you aren't ready for the next level of learning if it isn't best for them. Is it best for the child? That is the question.

    One thing doesn't change--the smile I find on my face after finding a message like this left secretly on my whiteboard as the class left the room for the last time in June...




Saturday, October 12, 2013

Ya Have to Start Somewhere!

Have you ever had a goal you've kept putting off? Well, this is mine. For years, I have dreamed of someday having a blog of my own. Oh, yes, I have been teaching my students to blog for a few years, and I just LOVE IT! I have witnessed so many connections made--both interpersonally and educationally that I could go on and on. So, as a good teacher (or other adult, for that matter) should do, I often reflect whether I follow my own advice to my students. It may be asking whether I truly treat others with the Golden Rule, read my 15-20 minutes myself, or in this case, whether I am writing like I ask my own students to do. Inspired by a number of  wonderful teaching blogs, I have decided to jump into this next experience in my love of writing. I want to thank An Uncommon to the core teacher and 4thgradefrolics as inspirations, among others! Keep it up ladies!

Thank you to my family, friends and colleagues for your future support in this endeavor!