Do you know that "uncomfortable"feeling you get when there is a truth staring at you, that you would like to ignore or avoid?
When I read this comment from Josh Parker (Josh Parker, 2012 MDTOY) wheels began turning in my mind:
How do you "coach" it out of them?
I wanted to reply to ask my question, but felt that it would sound negative or cynical. I'm not; I'm more curious. (**confession: I am a LITTLE cynical--I've had too many encounters recently with this very issue).
After an hour or so, I returned and replied:
Hours have passed since my initial reading, and I am still thinking about the "How?" I am still formulating my answers. They are not all easy or comfortable for me. They are a stretch. It is a good stretch. (**confession 2: I have already been working on many of these, but I see the need to be more intentional, and to keep it from slipping to the bottom of my endless list of "to do" items.)
- Exit my "hermitage" more often. My classroom is my happy place. Though not every day is ideal, I give my best, and I love what I do. In order to impact others positively, I need to leave my room. (And, I need to invite them IN.)
- Blog more frequently. I began this blog when asked to serve as a teacher mentor. My goal was to encourage my mentee and others, and to share what I had learned. Blogging frequently is pushed aside, simply for time purposes. My #CompelledTribe friend and mentor, Jennifer Hogan (Jennifer Hogan: Educator. Blogger. Speaker) today posted a blogging challenge, "Four blogging tips for 2018 {+Video}". The timing was perfect.
- Visit and encourage newer teachers. Whose voice will they hear? What "stereotypes" and "persuasions" are around them? How can I encourage their passionate pursuit of continued improvement as an educator? In December I was privileged to meet many outstanding educators at the NSTOY-PA celebration. Cindy (Cindy Olendyke, Chief Encourager) considers herself a "teacher encourager," and she is great at it. I want to be like Cindy!
- Find and broadcast the good. Many teachers are hardworking and excited about what they do. But often it's the negative lunch room talk that is heard and repeated. In what ways can I counter the negative with the positive?
- Fight cynicism with enthusiasm. Twitter is my primary source of encouragement. I go there to read of the exciting things teachers are learning, doing, reading, etc. How am I contributing to others via Twitter? What aspects of this can I carry into my school?
- Grow continuously. If I am not challenging myself to try new things, if I am not reading and learning new things, I am growing stagnant. The "same old thing" may be really good, but if I don't stretch, I'll never know if there is something better. In what ways can I share what I am learning with others?
- Invest in future teachers. If teachers are "coached" by stereotypes and persuasion by low-expectation voices, might not pre-service teachers be likewise influenced? I desire, no need, to be involved with the future teachers. May they hear "other" voices in their professional journey. (**I've enjoyed working with pre-service teachers through my Alma Mater, Grove City College. Dr. Sam Fecich pairs her students with teachers early in the Education program.)
"Know" is easier than "Do".
"Do" is uncomfortable.
"Do" is inconvenient.
"Do" is the only remedy for mediocrity and complacency.
- Have you been made uncomfortable recently by something or someone "nudging" you to do something?
- How are you responding?
- What are your "secret weapons" for bringing out the best in others?
- Whom do you know who is good at coaching? What does he/she do?
- Have you seen a negative, cynical, or minimalistic teacher turn around?
- Have you had new teachers with low expectations? Were you able to impact them for the positive?
I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Below I've shared a short video: "What I'd like new teachers to know". You may or may not agree. It may make you UNCOMFORTABLE.
If the video won't play, you can access the video via YouTube: Video to New Teachers
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