Dear Teacher/Love Teacher

What Great Teachers Do Everyday

Posted on April 10, 2016April 11, 2016 by Dear Teacher/Love Teacher

Dear Teacher,

So I have told you much about my new position as a teacher this year. This post is not about that, but I currently work at my district’s science center as a STEM teacher. In this job I get to come into contact with many of the students in the district and areas near by, but more than that I get to see many, many teachers in action with students. I get to talk to them and find out how things are going and what is working for them. This is one of my favorite things about my job.

Let me just say, I have been able to meet and interact with some great teachers. Some really, really excellent teachers. And I have been impressed and humbled by them. I do not know if I was in the same league as some of them when I was still in the classroom. Seriously.

They all have many different traits, but I have been able to observe some commonalities between them. It seems like there is a “formula” to being a great teacher. However, I do not know how much it can be learned versus natural ability and personality. They are not the kind of things that fit on a lesson plan, but, even so, some things are worth practicing and trying!

Image Source: http://www.adoptaclassroom.org via http://www.facebook.com.

The number one thing that I noticed among the great teachers I have met is that they know each of their students and have individual ways of interacting with each. I don’t know if this makes sense. What I mean is that their way of talking with and helping each student seems to be differentiated to the personality of each student. This does not come easy. This means knowing each student as an individual and know how to bring the best out of each. This is an amazing feat and trait. There is a video being passed around Facebook of a basketball coach and his team that shows this better than I can explain.

I love this video. I have probably watched it at least 20 times. The time it took him to know his players and develop these handshakes was probably enormous, but the relationship building that happened was priceless. This is the kind of individualizing and differentiation I see among the great teachers. Not necessarily with handshakes, but with the way that they approach each student.

The second common trait of great teachers I have seen is a willingness to put students first, even over schedules and non-essential policies. Great teachers see what students need and bend the rigidness of their structure (or schedule) to make sure that learning happens or needs are met. This is hard to explain much further because it depends on the situation on what this means, but I can give an example.

DearTeacherLT2016 (You may use the image if you link back to the blog and/or give credit to Dear Teacher/Love Teacher)

When I see classes of students, it is usually in the form of a field trip to the science center. There is a pretty tight schedule between arrival, labs, lunch, and departure. Most teachers try to stick to that schedule, and rightfully so. However, some of the great teachers work around the schedule a bit when their students are on the edge of making some real connections with content or concepts. Some teachers will sacrifice a few minutes of lunch or be willing to take the fall for making the bus wait for them for a few minutes. They know that what the students are doing at the center is worthwhile, and they are willing to take flack for the sake of their kids. And I am sure this applies to situations in their classrooms, as well.

The next thing that seems to be a commonality between great teachers is that they do not waste one teachable moment. The greatest teachers always have a way of making learning happen everywhere. No situation is without something to spark curiosity, review concepts, or teach about life in general. Learning is a way of life for those teachers, and so is teaching. And it happens in every moment of the day is some little way.

Great teachers also always make great strides in making sure that everything connects. Just like learning happens everywhere for these teachers, learning is also connected to other things and never stands alone. You have to make every minute count, and that means that students need to see that content and concepts are connected. Math relates to science which relates to social studies which relates to ELA…or any combination of this…and all of it connects to students lives and the world at-large. This come back to making every moment a teachable moment. If there is a connection that can be made between things that students need to learn, great teachers make sure that they try to help their kids connect those dots.

Last, but definitely not least, great teachers all tend to make sure that students see the impossible as being possible. I am not talking things that are physically impossible like putting on a cape and flying, but the things that students see as impossible that are actually quite possible. Students that struggle in reading can be great readers. Students who don’t know their multiplication facts yet can be great math students. Students who see school as a place where they can’t live up to the expectation can survive, thrive, and love learning. Great teachers help students see what is impossible to them as possible and help them do the work to make the impossible possible. Great teachers help students past their failures and through the work it takes to be a success. It takes time, effort, and determination, but these teachers stop at nothing to make it happen.

There are many other aspects of great teachers and great teaching, but I think these five are very attainable by all of us. Does it take hard work? Yes. Are we going to have to make decisions that are “off plan?” Sure we will. Will we take flack for the choices we make? You better believe it. Will it be worth it for the lives and futures of our students? More than we will ever know!

So, as you write your lesson plans, remember the things that don’t quite fit on the plans. The needs, personalities, and futures of your students. Remember what comes first. Don’t be afraid to leave the lesson plans and fly without a net from time to time. It’s what great teachers do…and I have a feeling you are one of those great teachers! Do remember, though, that the impact you make by doing these things may not be something you see for quite a while…but you will be making a lasting impact.

You are an amazing teacher! I know that you put students first. Know that this is what makes you a great teacher! Keep doing what you do and keep on teaching, Teacher!

Love, Teacher

PS… A quick update. After I wrote this yesterday, I saw this video posted on Facebook. This is a great teacher. She gets it. Students are more than can be measured (especially measured by a test and a formula of how much computer time they “need”). She is a great teacher…we can talk later about how so many of the great teachers seem on the verge of giving up.

Note to Teachers, Pep Talk, You Are Awesome!!!

Attention All Teachers…

Posted on April 6, 2016April 6, 2016 by Dear Teacher/Love Teacher

Dear Teacher,

You have had a tough couple of days (or weeks…or months…or whole school year). I get it. Teaching is one of the hardest jobs in the world…and people who have never been in the classroom (or haven’t been recently) do not understand that. On top of that, some years are worse than others. It just so happens that this year is one of those years.

You are tired. You are exhausted. You are burned out or right on the edge of burnout.

You are starting to lose your edge. You are starting to lose heart. You are starting to wonder what other careers might fit your skill set.

Trust me, I have been there. It sucks. It really does.

But there is one thing that you can do about all of it. It is not a magic key to unlock teaching happiness, but it is something.

You can ask yourself one question.

What are you going to do about it?

You can’t really change your circumstances. You can’t make your students be different. You can’t control all of your classroom dynamics. You can’t force your administration to be different and you can’t stop the system from being what it is.

You can change one thing.

You can change you.

I wish I had the words to explain what I mean by that, but I would rather quote Maya Angelou who said it better than I ever could.

If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.

We can control how we are affected by our situation. We can adjust the way we react to things. We can check our feelings before we make a decision. We can change the way that we let things affect us.

I think the best way to do this is to refocus on why we are teaching in the first place. We need to remember why we started this journey we call the teacher life. What brought us here? What brought you to teaching may be what helps you stay with it.

I do believe that answer is probably close to the same for all of us. It is all about students and trying to make the world a better place for them.

I know that reality has made that difficult to keep a view of, but you can start over every day and find that target again. We can ask ourselves, “How will I make today better for my students (even the tough ones)?”

I am not saying that we forget about standards and curriculum, but I do think it will help if we double-down on putting students and what they need in front of those things.

I don’t know. Am I making sense here?

Anyway, the best way to survive is looking at ourselves and how things are changing us as teachers. Are we doing what we are doing for the sake of students or for some other reason? If it not for students how can we change our practices (within the system) to make sure that they are the priority. When you and I can do this, I think how the toughness of any given day or year affects us will change.

I will close with another quote. This is from Jaime Escalante (a teacher hero of mine who I think lived out what I am saying here).

You don’t count how many times you are on the floor. You count how many times you get up.

Rough days and years come and go. What matters is what you do about it. How will you learn and move on?

Get Up Quote

Get back up, Teacher. You are great teacher. You are getting through to your students. You are making a difference. I think you are pretty awesome! Keep on teaching, Teacher!

Love, Teacher

General Inspiration, Hope for Teachers, Pep Talk

An Open Letter to Teachers…Don’t Lose Hope

Posted on April 4, 2016May 12, 2016 by Dear Teacher/Love Teacher

Dear Teacher,

You are beat up and beat down. You are worn out. You are worn down. This has been one of the toughest and roughest years of your career.

You don’t know if you can do this anymore.

Somewhere in and through the stress of students, parents, administration, and the system, you have lost sight of why you are doing this. You don’t see the difference you intended to make. You can’t see the forest. You can’t see the trees. You only see dwindling patience, one more student that doesn’t have a pencil, and another email about lesson plans that you haven’t turned in yet.

You are at the end of your rope and it is becoming more and more tempting to just let go.

You are losing your grip.

While you contemplate how much the fall will hurt, can I just tell you something…well, a few somethings?

First thing that you need to know is that you are absolutely, one hundred and fifty percent not alone. More teachers feel this way this year than don’t, I think. It is a common thought and feeling.

Even if it doesn’t fee like it, other teachers are going through exactly what you are right now. Probably other teachers in your school…most likely the teacher in the room next door.

I know it is kind of messed up that a lot of teachers are in the same boat…but at least you don’t have to be alone in this.

And that is great, but what do we do about it?

We need to remember that the education system is not why we got into this business…we went through the trouble of becoming a teacher because we actually care about students and their future. The system is what is wearing us out, but the students are who are keep us in.

Unfortunately, we are bound by the system. How do we work within it to make the biggest difference in the lives of those learners in our classrooms?

I think it all comes down to spending a bit of time before each school day remembering why we teach. It means thinking about each student (or some of them each day, if you teach multiple classes). We have to remember that each of those souls are people and that we actually care about them and where they are going in life.

If we do that, it will lead us to think more carefully about our decisions in the classroom. We will be driven to take stands for what is best for students. We will fight for what is right. We will truly differentiate for each child and what they need from us.

As that happens, our teacher heart will start to beat again. We will find our passion again for teaching. We will be ready to change the world all over again.

I know this is all easier said than done, but I think it is time we start doing what we know needs to be done. I think it is time to be brave and bold…for our students good and for ours.

You are a TEACHER! You actually do know what you are doing most of the time. You know your students and care about their lives. You know how to make classroom decisions. You are courageous! You are strong! You are intelligent! You matter to the future of your students and you are making a difference!

Remember why you do what you do and that you are not alone in this. Be brave and do what needs to be done. You will be happier in the long-run because you are doing what are made for!

You are amazing! You are awesome! Thank you for all that you do! Remember that you can do anything for a year, and this year is almost done. You’ve got this! Don’t give up! Keep on persevering and keep on teaching, Teacher! You rock!

Love, Teacher

Uncategorized

You…Yes, You, Teacher…

Posted on January 19, 2016January 19, 2016 by Dear Teacher/Love Teacher

Dear Teacher,

I know I haven’t written to you in a while, and for that reason, I have something that I really need to say. This is more important than almost anything you will hear today. You probably need to hear this as much as I need to say it. It has been too long since you have heard.

Teacher, you are important. You job is important. Every little thing you do with and for your students is important.

You are amazing. Each and every school day (and some non-school days) you spend putting your students first. Putting their needs above yours. Taking stands that they can’t for their future. Fighting fights that they have no clue need to be fought for them. You look to the world that needs them, and you are getting them ready for it.

DearTeacherLT2015 (You may use the image if you link back to the blog and/or give credit to Dear Teacher/Love Teacher).

You doubt yourself often, but you always know that you are doing something that few want to or could possibly do. And even though everything in the world tells you to stop…you keep going. You keep pushing. You keep moving. All for the sake of your students.

Thank you for all that you do. Thank you for all that you give up. Thank you for every ounce of energy and time that you put it. Thank you for, well, you.

Your students need you. Your school needs you. You community needs you. We need you.

Yes, Teacher, you are are amazing and important. Please never stop doing the good that you do. You really are making a difference. Know that you truly are appreciated. Please hold your head up high today.

Again, I thank you. You are so awesome. You are a great teacher. Keep on teaching, Teacher! You rock.

Love, Teacher

Dream Big, General Inspiration, More Than Scores, Note to Teachers

A Teacher’s Gift – What the World Gives and Gets…

Posted on December 16, 2015 by Dear Teacher/Love Teacher

Dear Teacher,

I had an epiphany this week. I wish I would have had this mind-blown moment years ago…it is going to revolutionize the way I think about teaching and my role as a teacher. I am almost ashamed to admit it, though. I have worked with teachers who live this out every day. It just didn’t sink in and click in for me until this week.

This mind-storm (pun intended…LEGO fans) was initiated by two things: a documentary about the man behind Segway scooters (and FIRST Robotics) and the story of LEGO Africa. The documentary is about Dean Kamen and how he is trying to solve the world’s clean water problem (which I think he might just do!). If you have Netflix, you really need to watch it; it’s called SlingShot. LEGO Africa is a program started by a 6 year-old boy with an idea and his father to send LEGO to schools and communities in Africa. It is an amazing program! I will share a video at the end about it.

Before that, I need to get back to my epiphany. Are you ready for it?

Teaching is not about teaching.

Now that I write it out, it doesn’t make sense. Maybe I need to add to this a little to fill in the gaps of thought. Let me try again.

Education is not about teaching…

The true heart of being an educator is not about delivering content…the internet does that on it’s own just fine (before that we had little things called books and encyclopedias). It is not about helping students learn the ins-and-outs and nuts-and-bolts of the world. It is not about making students feel better and increase their self-esteem (not that this is not important, but it is not the main goal of teaching). It is not wrapped up in the art of presenting and knowing all of the cool ways to use technology breakthroughs to be the best at it. It is not, obviously, about planning, grading, and keeping up with the latest and greatest PD. No, the role of being a teacher is not all about these things that define being a teacher in our society.

Education is much, much more than teaching.

At the core of education is something very much deeper than teaching. It is something almost indescribable. It is something we can’t put our finger on or even quite know for certain from where we stand. It is something that is vital to our planet more than ever, I believe, and the world that know won’t survive without it.

Education is about the future.

It is not about the here and now. It is not, quite frankly, about us. It is, however, the very heart and soul of generations to come. Our role as educators, especially the teachers at the front lines, is to prepare the leaders of tomorrow to solve the problems of today and make the world a better place. It is all about making tomorrow better without knowing what it will bring.

No pressure.

I actually am kidding there. It is slightly stressful to think about, but at the same time it is also freeing. It really lets you take stock of your true purpose in the classroom. You can drop back, reflect on all that you do, and then start fresh with a new perspective and drive.

A quick disclaimer…

As I continue, please know that I realize that content is important for all of this, but I am thinking more about our reasons and thoughts behind teaching content. What are we doing it for? Do we have a bigger purpose? I do believe there is a great picture here.

It is all about equipping leaders, thinkers, and doers.

Our job is to help students become who they need to be to lead the world to a better place than it is right now. We are making leaders that will look at what is going on and be determined to find ways to fix it. We are developing the thinkers that will be able to look at problems with fresh eyes and see new solutions to age-old problems. We are training doers that aren’t afraid to get dirty and do the work that needs to be done to clean up the messes that have been made. We are changing the world…but only from a distance.

Image Source: Pinterest.com — Image Source:
Pinterest.com

So how, pray-tell, do we do this?

We have to come to our role as educators from a different perspective. We have to ask some hard questions:

Are we giving our students practice at solving real problems and making this the reason that content is needed?
Are we telling students how to learn or giving them opportunities to need to learn and find how they do that best on their own (with a lot of scaffolding)?
Are we honest with students about what is going on in the world at-large and giving them opportunities to think up ways to help contribute to solutions?
Are we giving students chances to think outside of themselves and show compassion to others (or at least to empathize with them)?
Are we allowing students the time and space to work on ideas for helping others or solving problems in their communities?

I could go on and on, but I think you get it.

If you teach using PBL, than you have already thought through a lot of this. I do challenge you to keep thinking and questioning your true motives for how you teach…is it really about the future or getting the content in?

I am pretty sure that if you are reading this, you already think on this level. I just really wanted to share my thoughts on all of this today.

It truly hit home for me this week that there is a real world out there with so many problems that our students are going to have to grow up and solve. We need to start them thinking about this all now and giving them the opportunities to start working through it. They may already be able to come to better conclusions than we have!

To sum this really long post up…the Teacher’s gift is the future. It is ours to mold and take care of, but it is also ours to give. How are you doing with that gift?

You are awesome! I know you already think on these terms. Thanks for reading as I verbal process these thoughts and reflect on them! You really are making a difference and you are most definitely changing the future for the good! You rock! Keep on teaching, Teacher!

Love, Teacher

PS…

Here is the LEGO Africa video:

Hope for Teachers, Note to Teachers, You Are Awesome!!!

‘Twas the Week Before Break…

Posted on December 14, 2015December 14, 2015 by Dear Teacher/Love Teacher

Dear Teacher,

I know this week is full of excitement and anxiety…excitement for the students and anxiety for you. How are you going to keep their attention? How are you going to keep your attention? How can you contain and focus the craziness that is the week before Winter Break?

I don’t have a lot of advice for you. You have to find what works best for you, your students, and your situation. However, I did write a fun little poem a couple of years ago that will give you a little laugh as you face this week. I thought I would share it again this year. It is based on the poem, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore. Have a little giggle and enjoy!

‘Twas the Week/Day Before Break

‘Twas the day before break, when all through the classroom,

Each creature was stirring; the teacher, too, I assume;

The students were antsy and moving here and there;

In hopes that the clock would move faster if they just stare;

The administration was nestled all snug in their offices;

With having visions of no calls about students from all of us;

And you in your holiday sweater and matching cap,

Just want to settle your brain for a long winter’s nap,

When out on the hall there arose such a clatter,

You sprang from your chair to see what was the matter.

Away to the door you flew like a flash,

Spun doorknob and moved the door with a crash.

The fluorescent light from the hallway gave off quite a glow,

You looked left and right to see what you could know,

When the noise that had traveled to your wondering ear,

Helped you realize that it was the bell that you did hear.

The end of the day really did come so quick,

It was just like a present from dear old St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles the students they came,

And they hustled and shouted, and you called them by name:

“Now, students! bye-bye students! Bye you wonderful children!

Bye, students! Do be careful as you leave this dear buildin’!

To the top of the hallway! to the top of the hall!

Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!”

As papers and dust in their happy wake fly,

When they meet with their bus they jump in not shy;

And back to their houses with them the bus oh it flew

With all of the girls and boys, and their energy too—

And then, in a twinkling, I heard you so true

Your prancing and dancing to your door as you did shoo.

You got in your car without turning around,

Down the parking lot you and your car were home-bound.

The school, in your rear view got smaller by sight—

“Happy Holidays to all, and to all a good night!”

Image Source: www.quickmeme.com — Image Source:
http://www.quickmeme.com

Have a wonderful holiday break, you amazing Teacher! You rock and you deserve the break. Don’t forget to relax and enjoy your friends and family!

Love, Teacher

Cheer Up, General Inspiration, Note to Teachers

The Teaching Dead…Attack of the Zombie Teacher!

Posted on December 8, 2015December 8, 2015 by Dear Teacher/Love Teacher

Image Source: amazon.com — Image Source:
amazon.com

Dear Teacher,

I have always thought that The Walking Dead would make a much better title for a book or movie about teaching during cold and flu season. It’s no secret that we basically work in a Petri dish for viruses and bacteria. A whole lot of people all in one building together and a majority of those people struggle with hygiene and the concept of personal space. We really should be allowed to wear hazmat suits sometimes. Seriously.

We walk through the halls trying to avoid the infected. Handshakes and hugs become fast fist-bumps and vigorous application of hand sanitizer. Think about it. It is much like a zombie show or movie. We just don’t try to destroy the sick…although we are quick to recommend a phone call home or trip to the nurse…I guess that is kind of like a shot to the head for the cold and flu.

Image Source: www.someecards.com — Image Source:
http://www.someecards.com

Anyway, the inevitable happens, and we become one of them. We get whatever is going around. Teachers get sick. It is a reality that is bound to happen, no matter the precautions we take. We become one with the zombies. We take the plunge into Walker-dom.

The most awful thing about getting sick as a teacher is that rest, getting better, and even going to the doctor is not that simple. This is one of the many things that I wish the world knew about the life of teaching. “Calling in a Sub” is not an easy task. It is, more times than not, easier just to play through the pain and just work sick.

Image Sorce: www.someecards.com — Image Sorce:
http://www.someecards.com

Oh yes, we know that the other teachers are going to hate us for it. We are, in essence, upping the chances of their zombie-transformations. There is a slight chance that our own sickness came from the kindness of other teachers not wanting to bother a sub. And we are irritated by that, but at the same time the effort of going through the trouble of getting things set up for a substitute teacher is not always possible when you feel like you have been hit by a truck.

We have all done it. We have all avoided messiness of finding a sub, figuring out what to leave for students that sticks with pacing and what you have been doing, setting all of that up, dealing with the issues of the plans not being followed, and playing catch-up with students when you come back. We have gone in sick. We have because it is sometimes more restful just do that than all of that.

Sometimes we come in sick because we have to. There is a major test of some sort to give. There is a project that has to be finished. There is some kind of training during planning that is a one-time-only kind of thing. We come in because there is no other option.

Image Source: pixabay.com — Image Source:
pixabay.com

Whatever the reason, we have all taught while sick. And now we are back to The Walking Dead. There is no better word for how that feels. We feel like walking dead. It is like the Theraflu commercial…

Theraflu ExpressMax

We are barely there. We are miserable. We feel bad. We feel worse that we might make other people sick. But we are there. We are trying to do what is right. It is the heart of the teacher in us.

Well, I would like to thank you for all of the times that you worked sick, Teacher. You are awesome to care so much for your students!

If you are experiencing this right now…like me…chin up. You will feel better eventually. It feels like being sick is your new reality, but colds and the flu go away. You will be back to yourself before long. Keep fighting!

And I would like to give you a piece of advice. If you can work up the muster to get everything together, call in a sub. You will be sick longer if you don’t rest. I know it is hard, but it is worth it. Many people have told you to look out for yourself, but it is true. You need to. Take care of yourself, Teacher.

You really are amazing. You are such a great teacher! I believe in you and you are making a difference! Keep on teaching, Teacher (even when your sick)!

Love, Teacher

Note to Teachers, Pep Talk, Reason for Teaching

Stop Everything and Read this Blog Post Right Now!! Or don’t…

Posted on December 1, 2015December 2, 2015 by Dear Teacher/Love Teacher

Dear Teacher,

I bet you might be thinking that the title of this note was just a gimmick to try to get you to read it. It wasn’t. Not that I don’t want you to read it…I do…I just have a point to make using the it. However, not yet. I want to tell you a little story first.

My little family and I had the awesome opportunity to spend Thanksgiving Break at the beach with my wife’s family. I am not much of a beach person, but there was something pretty great about being near the water, hearing the crashing waves, and being able to walk the beach with my sons and wife. I did, unfortunately, became a little obsessed with finding shells (and shark teeth).

There were plenty of common shells (clams, scallops, and the like), but I was after other game. I really wanted to find conch or nautilus shells…oh, and did I mention shark teeth? I kept looking for all of these, but all I found was a few broken pieces and thousands of common shells. I would see something out of the corner of my eye, veer of my path, and find it only to see it was more of the same.

I outlasted my boys and wife with each trip out. Still I couldn’t turn down the inner call to keep looking. I just knew I would find something!

I kept chasing the bits and pieces that I saw in the distance sure that I would find something rare and worried that I would miss out on it if I didn’t go after what I saw. No matter the disappointment, I kept chasing.

Until…

My oldest son kept asking me to go back. He wanted to just play in the sand. I could see the other family members down the beach having a good time together…and off the other way there was something that I just knew had to be what I was looking for. I had this moment where I knew that I just had to choose. Chase something that was not assured or savor the moments with my family.

A thought came to me…

There will always be another shell.

I talked back to that thought (not aloud, of course)…what if I miss out on something good.

There will always be another shell.

What if this is the shell I am looking for? What if it is a shark tooth?

There will always be another shell…and shark teeth aren’t that big, idiot!

I made a conscious decision to turn and go back. I go spend the quality time I always want to have with my family when I can’t have it. I went back with my son and had some fun on the beach. I dare say it was much better than not finding shells!

It hit me that this is something similar to what happens to us in education. I can only speak from a teacher’s perspective, but it seems like sometimes we are always chasing something off in the distance. The latest strategy, the newest assessment-style, or the latest book that will change everything in education. Not that any of these things are bad…they definitely aren’t…but it can be something we are constantly looking for all the while missing out on what is right in front of us.

Our students are here. Our students are now. They are why we do what we do. Despite the latest and greatest trends, what makes some of the biggest effects on how students learn is us and our relationships with them. We need to talk to them. Learn how they learn best. Help them learn how to learn on their own. This has to be our priority. It is the only way that true learning, understanding, and growth happens!

This means some serious thought into what we need to let go of sometimes. It can be a mere change of focus. It can mean putting things on the back-burner. It often will mean that we have to not always chase every “new” idea in education…some books may need to wait until summer to read, some conferences may need to be unattended, and some blog posts may need to be bookmarked for later. This doesn’t mean that these are not important things, it just means that some of them will have to wait for the sake of our students.

So. Back to the name of this post. It is so easy to get caught up in what we are told needs to happen right now. We can be led to believe that we need to stop everything to investigate what we might be missing. Just like me and the shell hunt, there may be something back in the other direction that is more worthwhile – quality time really getting to know and work with our students on their level.

Hitting pause on the things that seem vital for our growth as professionals can be quite difficult. But it is a reality that does occur (more often than we would like). As an educator, sometimes the hardest thing is letting go…but often it is the only way to move forward for the greater good of our students.

Remember…

There will always be another shell.

There will always be another book.

There will always be another PD.

There will always be another blog post.

There will not always be another year with the students you have right now. Don’t let it slip away!

If I know you, though, I am preaching to the choir. You do realize these things most of the time. That’s what makes you awesome and an amazing teacher! Keep on make your students the ultimate priority and keep on teaching, Teacher!

Love, Teacher

#HowToTeacher Rules, Note to Teachers, Pep Talk, Perseverance

#HowToTeacher Rule 2: Every Learner Can Learn

Posted on November 24, 2015November 24, 2015 by Dear Teacher/Love Teacher

Dear Teacher,

Yesterday, I presented the idea of the #HowToTeacher Rules and gave you Rule 1 (if you haven’t read it, go there first…this post will make more sense if you do). I feel like that rule is key to being a great teacher. All other things that great teachers believe and do stem from the passion for teaching and learning. Rule 2 is tied very closely to the first, but it focuses on who you teach. These two rules are the key to all of the others!

You know what? Maybe I should tell you what Rule 2 is before I talk about how great it is. 🙂 Let me do that now.

#HowToTeacher Rule 2: Great teachers believe firmly that ALL students can learn and they act on those beliefs.

Great teachers believe firmly that ALL students can learn an they act on those beliefs. This is just something that is in the DNA of great teachers. There does not seem to be any challenge too big for them. They are relentless in the idea that every student in their classroom can learn. It seems like they have a million tools in their bag of teacher tricks to try. Nothing that students can throw at them will change their minds that every student can learn.

Students with IEPs?

No problem. They have been to trainings, talked to other teachers, and read strategies for this just for fun.

ESOL students that have little to no English?

Great teachers have workbooks, translators, and are even learning the language the best that they can (almost enough to almost enough to say a couple of things to parents during conferences).

Class with five ADHD poster children all at once?

Multiple seating options, standing desks, a focus corner, and lots and lots of back-up activities for different learning styles.

Apathetic students?

They don’t know who they are messing with. “I can’t” or “I won’t” are not words that great teachers understand. They will find a way to reach those students (or die trying)!

I could go on and on, but you get where I am going here. Great teachers are not stumped by students with difficult situations or difficult students. Their belief in the ability of every student to learn trumps the challenges to make that happen. They live for the teaching and learning process (Rule 1), and they will not accept that anyone is not able to be a part of that process.

You know the teachers like this. They make other teachers frustrated with their refusal to think that any student student can not learn at the same level (with scaffolding) as the others. These teachers make the other teachers want to try harder and find a way to reach each and every student. They are relentlessly relentless!

This is the key to great teaching. You must not only believe that this is true, but you have to act like you believe it. Never give up on a student. Never stop finding ways to reach them. There is some way for each student to learn and you will find it!

How to find paths for each student will be covered in other #HowToTeacher Rules, but the belief that every student can learn has to got to come first!

I know you are one of the never-give-up teachers! You are one of the amazing ones that won’t take “I can’t” for an answer! I applaud you for that. You are an awesome teacher! Thank you for all that you do to reach your students! Never stop! Keep on teaching, Teacher!

Love, Teacher

#HowToTeacher Rules

#HowToTeacher Rule 1: Passion for Teaching & Learning

Posted on November 23, 2015November 24, 2015 by Dear Teacher/Love Teacher

Dear Teacher,

Throughout my time in the classroom, I made great efforts to meet, talk to, and observe as many teachers as I can. In my role now as a STEM teacher at a Science Center, I see teachers with their classes everyday. Through the process of observing and talking to teachers, I have been able to come into contact with some of the greatest teachers…and there are definitely some commonalities and trends among them.

I have decided to try and put words to what I have seen and experienced when it comes to great teaching, and I am calling these observations the “#HowToTeacher Rules.” Take them for what they are worth. 🙂 With this post I would like to present Rule 1:

#HowToTeacher Rule 1: Great teachers are passionate about the teaching and learning process.

Great teachers know that the journey of learning is more important than the destination of specific content. How students learn how to learn on their own is of the highest priority. No matter what the system says, great teachers (like you) make this rule one each and every year and day!

If you are reading this, something tells me you agree with this rule. You are one of those great and amazing teachers. You know that it is more about how to learn than rote knowledge. You stand up for what you believe when it comes to this…and that is one of the things that makes you awesome!

Keep on believing in the heart of education, keep up the good fight for it, and keep on teaching, Teacher!

Love, Teacher

PS…I apologize for any typos – I wrote this with my phone. 🙂

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