Well, It's been a while since I've last posted a message to my blog. I could say it's because I've been too busy but in all actuality, it is because without the structure of needing to blog about the 23 Things course, I've forgotten to do it.
So, maybe a just a few thoughts about the start of school. I've been doing this "school thing" for many, MANY years. I began teaching in 1974 and, except for a three hiatus when I was re-thinking my career choice, I've been in the education business ever since. Boy oh boy, have things ever changed in those 30+ years!
I believe that this has been my hardest start ever...and I don't think it's because I'm older (I'm really not THAT old!). It seems like no one is happy about much of anything....talk about the pressure that puts on a person. You know, I am someone who really does like folks to be happy with what they are doing...but juggling the balls to make it all happen isn't exactly an easy task.
I have really done a LOT of reflection about how to be a better instructional leader and I think that choice is perhaps putting some "pressure" on some folks. I am all about trying to help teachers be better teachers and kids becoming better learners. I am depressed by our test scores and am sometimes at a loss as to what to do about them.
Anyway, there it is. I can only hope things get better!
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3 comments:
I appreciate your attempts at change. (As we learned at LASER training, change is something that many resist.) Your post reminds me of the words you've quoted before about how crazy it is to expect something different when you're doing things the same way.
So what do I need to do differently? Our district has supported small class size and in class help via instructional assistants. Why are there students reading well below grade level?
The start of the year has been exhausting, I agree. And, it seems we are all struggling to keep too many balls in the air, myself included. However, as I have been doing a LOT of reflection on how to be a better instructor, I say, bring on the pressure!
Adults are not unlike the students that we teach. When asked to do something that we don't want to do, some will behave just like the students that are sitting in the office much of the time. The key is to persevere, don't give up, and know that you are supported in your efforts to make changes that will improve learning for all students-even the most difficult ones. Your efforts will also prove beneficial to those teachers who are being so resistant. You go Girl!
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