Honestly, I don't know where to begin. To be completely transparent, I've lived my life unknowingly searching for an adult to depend on. I have loving parents, but because we are so different it makes it really difficult to relate or even open up to them. Year after year I found myself disappointed because my teachers were simply teachers. And who was I do make that a bad thing? They were doing their job. In fact, they were great teachers. So why was it that I was disappointed? I asked myself this question at the end of every school year, the end of another potential relationship that didn't quite work out... until one year it did.
My junior year, the year that is notorious for stress & overwhelming emotions, I was blessed with Mrs. Susan Stevens. She was the teacher who's job was to prepare me for teaching but who in reality prepared me for life. To squeeze my love and appreciation for her into one blog is a daunting task, but I'm attempting none the less.
When I picture myself teaching my future students down the road, I hope to be as inspirational to them as Mrs. Stevens is to me. Mrs. Stevens comes in daily, sets us up with mentors to learn from, all while who we really learn the most from is her. She teaches us how to observe and absorb all that our mentor teachers offer. She tells us how to use our mentoring to our advantage. But I often wonder if Mrs. Stevens realizes that though we do learn a lot from our site schools, we learn the most from her daily bits of wisdom, her words of direct honesty, and her constant reminders that we are enough and capable. I know that my mentor teachers have taught me so much and I am so grateful for them- but I couldn't imagine taking Education and Training without my Susan being the teacher. In fact, I can't imagine my life without her.
One of my favorite things about Mrs. Stevens is her motherly nature. I have never met a mother whose first priority wasn't their children. And Mrs. Stevens is no different; it is completely obvious that we are her first priority at school. She proves this is many forms, but one of my favorites is her honesty. Mrs. Stevens is quick to call you out and she isn't afraid of giving her opinion. Though this drove me crazy at times, she only did it because she expected the best from us. To me, the fact that Mrs. Stevens even takes the time to call us out is a compliment. I appreciate the days where she pushed me three steps further when I was just fine with my one step. And I'm grateful for when I simply accepted satisfactory but she wouldn't. Her drive and belief in me helped create a belief in myself and for that alone, I'm forever grateful.
Other qualities where her motherly nature stood out was with her transparency and open arms. Mrs. Stevens let us become a part of her life. We know about her husband Bob and her children and even little Hattie. We know her favorite drink from Sonic (when she liked lime & when she grew tired of the lime) and her favorite snacks. We know what will drive her crazy (like the Miranda voice) and what will make her laugh (the pictures of me and Julian). She allowed us to get to know her as a person but what is truly amazing is that she didn't stop there. She knew us too. Mrs. Stevens knows about all my jobs (including the one where I was fired) and all my past boyfriends (or who I'd like to refer to as "friends" who were boys). She knows what we love and what we hate. She knows our strengths and weaknesses. But most beautifully, she knows our hearts. Along with being transparent, she always has her arms open for whoever needs it. I can't tell you how many times I stayed late with her and she wouldn't hesitate with helping me. I would watch student after student come in for her assistance and despite it taking away her time from her work, she would happily help. Because of her open arms, I felt at home when I was with her. Whether we were in North Richland Hills, Minneapolis, or Washington D.C., if she was there then I was home. The Education and Training Program truly became my home away from home. Every morning, afternoon, and quite a few of my weekends revolved around EAT- and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. Mrs. Stevens helped mold me into the person that I am today. She took my strengths and helped me peruse them. I am now continually expanding my service opportunities, strengthening my speaking, building my confidence, chasing my dreams, and always looking out for others. There are very few teachers who can develop a student mentally and emotionally. It's extremely hard to imagine not getting to see Mrs. Stevens everyday next year but I know I'll somehow manage...(mainly because she prepared me to & because I'll be paying many visits!). I can't even begin to think about how colorless high school would have been without her and her class. I'm not over exaggerating when I say that it was life altering.
I want to end this by again emphasizing my love and appreciation. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Thank you for coming to class every day with motives that exposed your tender heart. Thank you for your time, dedication, and constant support. Thank you for sticking by me, encouraging me, and putting up with me. You quickly became my adult whom I could lean on and that means more than you could ever know. I hope you realize that you are now stuck with me because you will be apart of my life forever! I love you so much and I will never forget these last two years with you.
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Book Response: Flaws Form Fatality
Our country strives on being the best. Whether that is through our knowledge or abilities, the United States is built upon superiorism. But what happens when we reevaluate ourselves and neither our knowledge or abilities matches our standards? What happens when our standards aren’t as high as they use to be? Or how about when the realization comes about, that it is in fact, our knowledge that determines our abilities?
When this happens, or should I say, when this did happen… we tripped and couldn’t reestablish our footing. What’s in our favor is that once tripped, the only next step is to get up. But how long it takes us to get up is solely determined by us. Within the last decade alone our education system has fallen through the cracks. Our neighboring countries are now leaps and bounds beyond us, because they, unlike us, have continually strengthened their education system and never ceased for mediocrity.
The United States finally realizes that we have fallen behind but it seems like we don’t know what to do about it. We have attempted at our own solutions but they end up creating a new and different problem. Each solution comes with new rules and regulations which in turn does exactly what it is meant to do… rule and regulate. But are rules and regulations what our education system needs? No! Our education system needs to further investigate the root of our problem and find a solution for the root, not just the branches of the problem. In the book, “The Smartest Kids in the World” by Amanda Ripley, the reader gets an inside look into how other countries run their education programs. We get to see their ups and downs. Now why is this important? It’s important because through this little book, we have the chance to not just stick our noses up and think we are better, but to learn from the other countries mistakes, get a deeper understanding of why they are the way they are, and how they got that way. Amanda Ripley introduces us to three kids, Kim, Eric, and Tom. These three kids adventure into three different countries, Finland, South Korea, and Poland, to embark to see what it is like living where the education is top notch. Throughout the book the reader is slowly but surely unraveling what the root problem is for the United States education system. In all three of these countries, we quickly see one main difference… the kids. The kids in these three top scoring countries all have one thing in common, their grit. The kids care and work hard toward their schooling. While reading, it was clear that our students are very different than these other countries but why we weren’t so sure. After getting an even deeper understanding, some solutions started to unravel. Yes, the child is the only one who determines how good their education is. But even saying that leaves a bitter taste in my mouth because I know how much circumstances can alter that ability. If we want our education system to thrive, we must act now. We must think of every circumstance that could be eliminating our students grit and willingness to learn and find a way to prevent it. I suggest that we model these countries with their intense teaching preparation programs. We need good teachers. Teachers who not only understand the art of teaching but teachers who understand students. Teachers who don’t mistake empathy and sympathy within the classroom. Teachers who continually act in a way that they would expect from their students. And lastly, teachers who's main objective isn’t to get the student to barely pass, but teachers who thirst for their students to grow above and beyond the standards. Aside from preparing better teachers, I suggest that we create a better environment to learn in. The United States has schools with white walls, cold hallways, and uncomfortable desks. We have schools that only give a few minutes to get from class to class. I believe we should learn from Finland and give students more time between classes and allow them a nicer, calmer learning place. If we could create a place where students had time to recollect themselves and allow a mental break, not only would attendance be higher but students would be happier which would then spiral into a greater love for learning which then turns to grit. Sure, it is a long process, but it is worth it. The environment alone makes a huge difference. These are simply places where we could start. I don’t have all the answers. I don’t believe anyone has all the answers. This is a problem that will take time and determination but it is possible to eventually solve. Besides the two solutions that I gave, my main advice would be to learn from others with an open mind. And what a better way to start then by reading this book?
When this happens, or should I say, when this did happen… we tripped and couldn’t reestablish our footing. What’s in our favor is that once tripped, the only next step is to get up. But how long it takes us to get up is solely determined by us. Within the last decade alone our education system has fallen through the cracks. Our neighboring countries are now leaps and bounds beyond us, because they, unlike us, have continually strengthened their education system and never ceased for mediocrity.
The United States finally realizes that we have fallen behind but it seems like we don’t know what to do about it. We have attempted at our own solutions but they end up creating a new and different problem. Each solution comes with new rules and regulations which in turn does exactly what it is meant to do… rule and regulate. But are rules and regulations what our education system needs? No! Our education system needs to further investigate the root of our problem and find a solution for the root, not just the branches of the problem. In the book, “The Smartest Kids in the World” by Amanda Ripley, the reader gets an inside look into how other countries run their education programs. We get to see their ups and downs. Now why is this important? It’s important because through this little book, we have the chance to not just stick our noses up and think we are better, but to learn from the other countries mistakes, get a deeper understanding of why they are the way they are, and how they got that way. Amanda Ripley introduces us to three kids, Kim, Eric, and Tom. These three kids adventure into three different countries, Finland, South Korea, and Poland, to embark to see what it is like living where the education is top notch. Throughout the book the reader is slowly but surely unraveling what the root problem is for the United States education system. In all three of these countries, we quickly see one main difference… the kids. The kids in these three top scoring countries all have one thing in common, their grit. The kids care and work hard toward their schooling. While reading, it was clear that our students are very different than these other countries but why we weren’t so sure. After getting an even deeper understanding, some solutions started to unravel. Yes, the child is the only one who determines how good their education is. But even saying that leaves a bitter taste in my mouth because I know how much circumstances can alter that ability. If we want our education system to thrive, we must act now. We must think of every circumstance that could be eliminating our students grit and willingness to learn and find a way to prevent it. I suggest that we model these countries with their intense teaching preparation programs. We need good teachers. Teachers who not only understand the art of teaching but teachers who understand students. Teachers who don’t mistake empathy and sympathy within the classroom. Teachers who continually act in a way that they would expect from their students. And lastly, teachers who's main objective isn’t to get the student to barely pass, but teachers who thirst for their students to grow above and beyond the standards. Aside from preparing better teachers, I suggest that we create a better environment to learn in. The United States has schools with white walls, cold hallways, and uncomfortable desks. We have schools that only give a few minutes to get from class to class. I believe we should learn from Finland and give students more time between classes and allow them a nicer, calmer learning place. If we could create a place where students had time to recollect themselves and allow a mental break, not only would attendance be higher but students would be happier which would then spiral into a greater love for learning which then turns to grit. Sure, it is a long process, but it is worth it. The environment alone makes a huge difference. These are simply places where we could start. I don’t have all the answers. I don’t believe anyone has all the answers. This is a problem that will take time and determination but it is possible to eventually solve. Besides the two solutions that I gave, my main advice would be to learn from others with an open mind. And what a better way to start then by reading this book?
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Friday, May 8, 2015
Thankin' a Teacher
This blog is dedicated to Mrs. Paige Henderson- a teacher who deserves a lot more than a blog dedication.
I am unlike others in that I have been blessed with many good teachers. Teachers who have helped mold me into the person I am today. Each teacher has had a part in instilling important characteristics in me that I am forever grateful for. But some teachers have had more of an impact than others. One teacher who fits this category is Mrs. Paige Henderson. Mrs. Henderson was my fifth grade teacher, but that title alone holds no justice. She was also my role model, encourager, and friend. Unlike some of my experiences in high school, there was never a day that I didn't want to go to school in fifth grade. Now this wasn't because I had great friends or a fiery passion for learning, because that came later my fifth grade year, but it was because Mrs. Henderson cared. It was as simple as that. I needed someone who truly cared and portrayed that in a way that I knew and Mrs. Henderson did just that. She came to school everyday with a smile, a joke, and determination to get some education into our thick and immature skulls. She would find a way to reach out to all of us- boys, girls, quite, loud, shy, rambunctious... ALL of us. She quickly formed relationships with us crazy kids and from their we began caring as well. We cared about her so we began caring about our education for her benefit. But what amazes me is that it didn't end there. It began as a way to return our love, but soon we were caring about our education for us! She some how created a passion for learning within twenty plus rowdy children, a passion that wasn't quick to disappear.
Along with creating relationships and a passion, she loved deeply. Whether this be through her humor that she integrated into her lessons or her joking nudge she'd sometimes share in the hallways or even in her discipline strategies; she'd find a way to bring love into the equation. I distinctly remember a time that I had gotten in trouble which included a visit to the vice principal's office, a phone call home, and even a parent teacher conference. Though I viewed this as a bit excessive, I soon realized that she was going through the steps that she had to. But here's the part that I remember very clearly seven years later... after the parent teacher conference ended, Mrs. Henderson met me in the hallway. She came up with a gentle spirit and hugged me. We didn't even need words because words weren't what I needed. I just needed a loving hug and Mrs. Henderson knew that. After our little moment she called my parents out into the hall with us and told them what she believed was my perspective through this whole horrifying experience. She could see my heart and intentions and she wasn't going to let my parents leave until they heard it. She loved us deeply through the good and the bad, and kids don't forget things like that.
In honor of teacher appreciation week, I would like to give a huge THANK YOU to my fifth grade teacher, my mentor, and dear friend, Mrs. Henderson. Thank you for dedicating yourself to a life of sharing your talents to help build precious minds. I know for a fact that I am one of many who remembers your passion, love, and dedication for your craft. Thank you simply isn't enough for the gratitude I feel for not only what you have done for me personally, but for what you have done for my peers in fifth grade and now for students who I'd like to call my own this year. You are helping these children build a platform for their education and their lives based on characteristics that count. I have had an incredible experience being able to work with you this year and I will never forget what I have learned from you.
Thank you again!
Love your grateful student,
Rachel Jefferies
(If anyone would like to view her webpage and see some adorable class pictures, you can click here)
I am unlike others in that I have been blessed with many good teachers. Teachers who have helped mold me into the person I am today. Each teacher has had a part in instilling important characteristics in me that I am forever grateful for. But some teachers have had more of an impact than others. One teacher who fits this category is Mrs. Paige Henderson. Mrs. Henderson was my fifth grade teacher, but that title alone holds no justice. She was also my role model, encourager, and friend. Unlike some of my experiences in high school, there was never a day that I didn't want to go to school in fifth grade. Now this wasn't because I had great friends or a fiery passion for learning, because that came later my fifth grade year, but it was because Mrs. Henderson cared. It was as simple as that. I needed someone who truly cared and portrayed that in a way that I knew and Mrs. Henderson did just that. She came to school everyday with a smile, a joke, and determination to get some education into our thick and immature skulls. She would find a way to reach out to all of us- boys, girls, quite, loud, shy, rambunctious... ALL of us. She quickly formed relationships with us crazy kids and from their we began caring as well. We cared about her so we began caring about our education for her benefit. But what amazes me is that it didn't end there. It began as a way to return our love, but soon we were caring about our education for us! She some how created a passion for learning within twenty plus rowdy children, a passion that wasn't quick to disappear.
Along with creating relationships and a passion, she loved deeply. Whether this be through her humor that she integrated into her lessons or her joking nudge she'd sometimes share in the hallways or even in her discipline strategies; she'd find a way to bring love into the equation. I distinctly remember a time that I had gotten in trouble which included a visit to the vice principal's office, a phone call home, and even a parent teacher conference. Though I viewed this as a bit excessive, I soon realized that she was going through the steps that she had to. But here's the part that I remember very clearly seven years later... after the parent teacher conference ended, Mrs. Henderson met me in the hallway. She came up with a gentle spirit and hugged me. We didn't even need words because words weren't what I needed. I just needed a loving hug and Mrs. Henderson knew that. After our little moment she called my parents out into the hall with us and told them what she believed was my perspective through this whole horrifying experience. She could see my heart and intentions and she wasn't going to let my parents leave until they heard it. She loved us deeply through the good and the bad, and kids don't forget things like that.
In honor of teacher appreciation week, I would like to give a huge THANK YOU to my fifth grade teacher, my mentor, and dear friend, Mrs. Henderson. Thank you for dedicating yourself to a life of sharing your talents to help build precious minds. I know for a fact that I am one of many who remembers your passion, love, and dedication for your craft. Thank you simply isn't enough for the gratitude I feel for not only what you have done for me personally, but for what you have done for my peers in fifth grade and now for students who I'd like to call my own this year. You are helping these children build a platform for their education and their lives based on characteristics that count. I have had an incredible experience being able to work with you this year and I will never forget what I have learned from you.
Thank you again!
Love your grateful student,
Rachel Jefferies
(If anyone would like to view her webpage and see some adorable class pictures, you can click here)
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Education Utopia or Dystopia?
Our world works based upon competition with other countries. Whether that be through weapons, medicine, or education... countries fight to be the best for their well being and pride. Education holds the most competitive title because all success stems through a solid education.
In The Smartest Kids in the World and How They Got that Way by Amanda Ripley, she takes us through three kids journeys through three different countries. This book walks us through Kim's journey in Finland where she watches the teaching profession being treated like it should, and Eric's journey in Korea where a strong hand and fear tactic is practiced, and lastly, Tom's journey in Poland where being wrong isn't shameful but instead an opportunity to learn. These three countries hold many differences yet they all have the highest preforming students in the world. How do they make this happen? How can the U.S. jump on board?
While learning about all of these countries one quickly realizes that there isn't one right way. With this being true, I appreciate aspects from all of the countries, and if I were creating my education utopia, I would use parts of each system.
In my education utopia, I would begin with proper teacher training. I would model Finland's practice and recreate Educations stigma. Teaching is the sole career who truly impacts each and every other career. Teachers teach doctors, engineers, dentists, you name it. So why is that teaching is seen as the easiest major in America? Why do we allow just anyone teach and create our future? In my education utopia, I would make future teachers prove themselves. And I wouldn't do this by enforcing a written test, but by having a series of real life teaching circumstances and letting them attempt to survive. Within the first few years of teaching, it truly is about surviving, so we must start this process before children's education is on the line. Not only would this help our students, but it would also help with our teacher retention problem.
My next step would be to implement Koreas seriousness for education into the equation. I don't want the main factor to be fear but fear must be involved somewhat. There must be something on the line so that students take each and every grade seriously. I don't think that we should put their careers on the line but I do think that there should be something of importance that can be threatened if they fail, such as an end of the year celebration or field trip. Students must be taught how to care through a little fear at a young age, so that by the time they are old enough to think about their careers, they already know the importance of education. Also, Korea doesn't hand out second chances. If the students preform badly at a young age, that directly affects them for the rest of their lives with no hope of fixing it. Now in the U.S. on the other hand, gives hundreds of re-dos. If a student fails the end of the year state test... no biggie, they can re-take it during the summer. This process continues itself until the child has been pushed through the education system. In my education utopia, I would find the middle of these two circumstances. Not giving any chances sets a student up for failure but so does giving too many. I would create a 5 strike system and once a child hits their 5th strike then they would have to be transferred to a school who could better meet their needs and assure their graduation.
Lastly, I would model Poland's attitude on failure. I would create a "Failure can be fun" mentality. Right now in the U.S. failure is the worst option or outcome. It's deeply feared and regretted. In my opinion, failure should be expected and learned from. Failure is the quickest way to success. If the U.S. could understand that and shift their way of thinking, then I know that our education system would advance very quickly.
We are lucky that we have an inside look at how these top preforming countries behave. Now we have the opportunity to take their strengths and leave their weaknesses. This is our chance, not let's take it! To learn more about this book and how the other countries behave check out this link
In The Smartest Kids in the World and How They Got that Way by Amanda Ripley, she takes us through three kids journeys through three different countries. This book walks us through Kim's journey in Finland where she watches the teaching profession being treated like it should, and Eric's journey in Korea where a strong hand and fear tactic is practiced, and lastly, Tom's journey in Poland where being wrong isn't shameful but instead an opportunity to learn. These three countries hold many differences yet they all have the highest preforming students in the world. How do they make this happen? How can the U.S. jump on board?
While learning about all of these countries one quickly realizes that there isn't one right way. With this being true, I appreciate aspects from all of the countries, and if I were creating my education utopia, I would use parts of each system.
In my education utopia, I would begin with proper teacher training. I would model Finland's practice and recreate Educations stigma. Teaching is the sole career who truly impacts each and every other career. Teachers teach doctors, engineers, dentists, you name it. So why is that teaching is seen as the easiest major in America? Why do we allow just anyone teach and create our future? In my education utopia, I would make future teachers prove themselves. And I wouldn't do this by enforcing a written test, but by having a series of real life teaching circumstances and letting them attempt to survive. Within the first few years of teaching, it truly is about surviving, so we must start this process before children's education is on the line. Not only would this help our students, but it would also help with our teacher retention problem.
My next step would be to implement Koreas seriousness for education into the equation. I don't want the main factor to be fear but fear must be involved somewhat. There must be something on the line so that students take each and every grade seriously. I don't think that we should put their careers on the line but I do think that there should be something of importance that can be threatened if they fail, such as an end of the year celebration or field trip. Students must be taught how to care through a little fear at a young age, so that by the time they are old enough to think about their careers, they already know the importance of education. Also, Korea doesn't hand out second chances. If the students preform badly at a young age, that directly affects them for the rest of their lives with no hope of fixing it. Now in the U.S. on the other hand, gives hundreds of re-dos. If a student fails the end of the year state test... no biggie, they can re-take it during the summer. This process continues itself until the child has been pushed through the education system. In my education utopia, I would find the middle of these two circumstances. Not giving any chances sets a student up for failure but so does giving too many. I would create a 5 strike system and once a child hits their 5th strike then they would have to be transferred to a school who could better meet their needs and assure their graduation.
Lastly, I would model Poland's attitude on failure. I would create a "Failure can be fun" mentality. Right now in the U.S. failure is the worst option or outcome. It's deeply feared and regretted. In my opinion, failure should be expected and learned from. Failure is the quickest way to success. If the U.S. could understand that and shift their way of thinking, then I know that our education system would advance very quickly.
We are lucky that we have an inside look at how these top preforming countries behave. Now we have the opportunity to take their strengths and leave their weaknesses. This is our chance, not let's take it! To learn more about this book and how the other countries behave check out this link
Monday, April 6, 2015
Education & Chocolate Cake
Recently, I was asked "In your opinion, what is the most important ingredient to the learning formula? Is it the teacher, technology, class size, the parents....?"
Here's my answer...
There is no "most important ingredient". If I wanted to bake a delicious chocolate cake, then I would have to mix together cocoa powder, flour, eggs, baking soda, and much more. I couldn't pick the most important ingredient from my chocolate cake because without any one of them, my cake wouldn't be a cake. I must have the eggs, flour, and baking soda to create the cake but I must also have the cocoa powder to make it a chocolate one. All of the ingredients depend on one another to create the wonderful finished product. The same goes for education. The teacher is extremely important because without the teacher, there would be no passion, encouragement, or heart. Without the teacher the basis of education is gone. But students are equally important... without students who are willing to learn and to subject their mind to a day of dedication, education would be extinct. And then come the factors who are equally important such as technology, class size, environment, rules, and motives. These factors are just as important because they determine the type of education. Without these factors, education could be going in one ear of a student and out the other. These methods and teaching techniques help education hold it's form just as a pan would do for my chocolate cake.
The key to education is balance. One must balance all of the factors to ensure that learning is taking place. Learning of subject matter such as math and english and the learning of life lessons. That is why education is so challenging. So many aspects are being demanded at once. But what makes education so challenging is exactly what makes it so rewarding.
To the teachers:
Don't give up. Teaching is grueling. Teaching is tiring. Teaching is life changing.
You are pressured, unappreciated, and sometimes over looked... but don't forget that you are loved!
You are making a significant difference in many, and that is why all that is demanded is so worth it. Baking a cake isn't always fun, but in the end it's worth it.
Here's my answer...
There is no "most important ingredient". If I wanted to bake a delicious chocolate cake, then I would have to mix together cocoa powder, flour, eggs, baking soda, and much more. I couldn't pick the most important ingredient from my chocolate cake because without any one of them, my cake wouldn't be a cake. I must have the eggs, flour, and baking soda to create the cake but I must also have the cocoa powder to make it a chocolate one. All of the ingredients depend on one another to create the wonderful finished product. The same goes for education. The teacher is extremely important because without the teacher, there would be no passion, encouragement, or heart. Without the teacher the basis of education is gone. But students are equally important... without students who are willing to learn and to subject their mind to a day of dedication, education would be extinct. And then come the factors who are equally important such as technology, class size, environment, rules, and motives. These factors are just as important because they determine the type of education. Without these factors, education could be going in one ear of a student and out the other. These methods and teaching techniques help education hold it's form just as a pan would do for my chocolate cake.
The key to education is balance. One must balance all of the factors to ensure that learning is taking place. Learning of subject matter such as math and english and the learning of life lessons. That is why education is so challenging. So many aspects are being demanded at once. But what makes education so challenging is exactly what makes it so rewarding.
To the teachers:
Don't give up. Teaching is grueling. Teaching is tiring. Teaching is life changing.
You are pressured, unappreciated, and sometimes over looked... but don't forget that you are loved!
You are making a significant difference in many, and that is why all that is demanded is so worth it. Baking a cake isn't always fun, but in the end it's worth it.
If this got you thinking, click here to watch a video that talks more about an educational revolution.
Tribes: Creating the Environment
Most careers are black and white. There is usually a right and a wrong way to accomplish a task. But education is what I view as a gray career. Yes, there are situations where the moral code is straightforward, but the core of teaching is gray. What is important to ask of your students? Who leads the class, the teacher or the kids? Are teacher and student relationships important? All of these questions dictate how effective a classroom is and they are all completely the choice of the teacher. Sometimes, it isn't that a teacher chooses a negative environment for their class, but it is simply that they don't know better. Some aren't sure of how to include all the rules they want without becoming overbearing. Others don't realize the importance in stating the "common sense" rules. So how to we solve this problem? How do we help teachers create an environment for their classroom that enhances learning while creating a better work environment for themselves?
Tribes is a teaching method that creates an effective teaching environment for the teachers. Tribe creates five important rules and sets them as the classroom standards.
1. Attentive listening
2. Show appreciation/no put-downs
3. Right to pass/right to participate
4. Mutual Respect
These four rules quickly creates the classroom environment for the teacher. Tribes solves conflicts, creates active learning and listening, and lastly, sets up the basis for relationship building.
I think this strategy is particularly important for beginner teachers to use. No longer will a teacher have to question if their rules are justified or learn hard lessons and deal with regret due to rules or the lack of. If new teachers use Tribes then they will start off confident knowing that with these four simple rules, their classroom will eventually come to together. And though they will still make many mistakes, their basis isn't lacking.
When I become a teacher I see myself taking advantage of the Tribes strategy. One of my fears is coming off too strong with rules in the beginning of the year, or due to fear of that, having little to no structure in my classroom. I like how the four rules in Tribes isn't just disciplinary based, but rather based to help the individual. I strongly believe that education is all about individualization. How can one expect to see all types of students learn from one type of teaching? And how can all students agree with rules that are formed based on the wants and needs of a teacher rather then rules that are based around the wants and needs of the students? In order to actually teach, teachers must create an environment that revolves around the students, have rules that are meant to enhance the students education and experience, and set standards for all to know and live by fairly... and Tribes does just that.
To learn more about Tribes so that you can use it in your classroom, click here!
Tribes is a teaching method that creates an effective teaching environment for the teachers. Tribe creates five important rules and sets them as the classroom standards.
1. Attentive listening
2. Show appreciation/no put-downs
3. Right to pass/right to participate
4. Mutual Respect
These four rules quickly creates the classroom environment for the teacher. Tribes solves conflicts, creates active learning and listening, and lastly, sets up the basis for relationship building.
I think this strategy is particularly important for beginner teachers to use. No longer will a teacher have to question if their rules are justified or learn hard lessons and deal with regret due to rules or the lack of. If new teachers use Tribes then they will start off confident knowing that with these four simple rules, their classroom will eventually come to together. And though they will still make many mistakes, their basis isn't lacking.
When I become a teacher I see myself taking advantage of the Tribes strategy. One of my fears is coming off too strong with rules in the beginning of the year, or due to fear of that, having little to no structure in my classroom. I like how the four rules in Tribes isn't just disciplinary based, but rather based to help the individual. I strongly believe that education is all about individualization. How can one expect to see all types of students learn from one type of teaching? And how can all students agree with rules that are formed based on the wants and needs of a teacher rather then rules that are based around the wants and needs of the students? In order to actually teach, teachers must create an environment that revolves around the students, have rules that are meant to enhance the students education and experience, and set standards for all to know and live by fairly... and Tribes does just that.
To learn more about Tribes so that you can use it in your classroom, click here!
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