What you allow....

I love the quote "what you allow is what will continue" and it certainly holds true in the classroom.  As a new teacher, I allowed things to slide because I was overwhelmed or did not have a better solution.  However, as I matured in the profession and learned more efficient ways to manage I could better tackle those annoyances.

 This week I have been observing my brand new teachers.  And to be honest, they are farther along the road that I in the beginning.  The witnessing of simple things liking learning names, redirection, trouble shooting, and engagement have all served them well.  This is thrilling to see this!  Students engaged saying "This class is fun" not because it was chaos; but because they were enjoying the learning, it is a blessing and a key factor in both student and teacher success.

There is a certain pride in seeing the teachers you mentor doing well.   There will be struggles and I will offer assistance and guidance.  Some with listen, others may not always but I am excited about the journey together.  I love teaching and know the magic that comes from seeing students "get it."  To play a part in the molding of a new teacher is an honor that I intend to take seriously.  I can not wait to celebrate their achievements together and watch their growth.  This school year is off to an amazing start!  I am eager to see what is in store for 2014-2015.

Until next week!

How important is a well rounded mind?

The phrase "well rounded" is tossed around a lot these days.  But is it really important?  I certainly think so.
I love history!  I loved taking the classes in college and I loved teaching social studies.  I truly feel that fostering the importance of thinking and understanding the world around you is a privledged task.  Those skills do not come naturally but must be learned and practiced over time.    A person's knowledge of current events should not come from weekly magazines at the check out line!   However, how often do our students hear adults discussing the world around them?  More to the point, how often are our students asked about current events?    It is important to me that Diva hears Frito and I discussing issues.   We often ask her what she thinks.  Explaining rebel groups to an 8 year old is a toughie but she can understand the concept of rebelling against her parents so on some level she "gets it."  I challenge you this year to see what you can bring to your classroom (not just those social studies classrooms) that encourages your kids to think,form opinions, and learn the art of respectfully disagreeing with a person.  If these characteristics are not learned now how will our future levels ever embody them?

Have a fabulous first week of school!

The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows. ~Sydney J. Harris

Tales of a Secondary Coach: Is it time yet?

Tales of a Secondary Coach: Is it time yet?: After working with new teachers this week, I am reminded of a key to success.  Time mangement!!  We live busy lives period and are pulled in...

Is it time yet?

After working with new teachers this week, I am reminded of a key to success.  Time mangement!!  We live busy lives period and are pulled in many directions.  In education, it is so important that we use time wisely and focus on the needs of our students first.   Easier said than done, right?  

Working smart is wiser than simply working hard.  Be organized, plan ahead and stay away from distractions.  (Another easier said than done)   I believe a good rule to use when setting priorities is asking yourself what will most impact my students.   The rest will get completed and you can rest easy knowing you made decisions with the proper focus.  

Now off to use my time wisely...hanging with my sweet diva! 

The teachers are coming! The teachers are coming!

Next week is new teachers week at our district.  I can still remember walking into the cafeteria where the training was held.  I was scared (rightly so) and completely overwhelmed.   I knew nothing! I had no student teaching experience and zero idea what challenge that first year held for me.  I look back and just cringe at the choices I made and know I would never do that now.  I was eager to learn and open to correcting my many many areas of improvement.  Thank goodness for those helpers around campus that first year.

If I were to give myself advice on that day- it would be run!!!  No, honestly, it would be relax and prepare.  Enjoy this experience.  Things will go wrong, lots and lots of things.  Some things will go right, maybe a few things.  You will adore those kids and get frustrated by them, cry and laugh with them.  You will see them grow and know you had some small part in that.

I would tell myself that you will stay in touch with some and hold their children and be a proud momma bear when they graduate from high school, college and graduate school.   Ultimately, I would tell myself to know that next year will be so much easier and if you are open to learn from your mistakes you will be so proud you survived your first year.  Now go countdown to Christmas break!

Until next week....
Kj