The Bandwagon

The first rule of blogging is to have a focus, to have a theme. You have to stick to your theme. Also, I read somewhere that a blog cannot become a glorified journal. The author cautioned against personal reference in blogs. He also cautioned against transparency. I can't help myself, though, this week I have to talk about what I'm thankful for.

Before you exit your browser, hear me out - this article is completely relevant to our profession; I didn't forget my mission. I'm grateful for my teachers. I want to talk about what made them great and why they were so effective. Perhaps you will find a place for these traits in your own classroom? I know I have tried everyday to give to my students what these great people gave to me.

John Hattie of the University of Auckland  published a study listing teaching strategies by effectiveness. My good friend and colleague, Bobby Thompson, shared the results of that study with our staff during a faculty training. There were several things that teachers did that Dr. Hattie found effective. The most effective practices, though, were Self-reported grades, Piagetian programs, and Providing formative evaluation. Teacher-Student relationships were also included in the top tier practices 

I would offer that the reason relationships are not the number one strategy is because we are so different and have such different personalities. Together, though, a faculty can compose a team that, if well constructed, has the tools to reach every student. I may connect with some students. My colleagues may connect with others. As long as we are looking introspectively at ourselves, and keeping our eyes on the students, we can pair up mentors in the building that can assist kids.

I have none of their permission to tell these stories, and most of these teachers - although flattered - would probably choose to remain anonymous, content in knowing that they marked my life for the better. Those of you who went to school with me, though - you know who I'm talking about. Those of you who do not know me, I'll bet you had teachers and stories like this too. Our teachers prepared us for the future and it is because of them that many of us can be thankful for success today. 

Drama Teacher - She was a red-headed ball of fire in her 50's. I was a freshman walking down the hall one day. We passed and she stopped and said, "Foley!" I turned and looked at her. "Why the hell aren't you in my theater class?" The reason was because I had muddled up a part in the 7th grade play so badly that I swore never to take the stage as an actor again. I took another English class to avoid her class. I explained that to her. "Bologna!" she said. "You will report to the orchestra pit in the auditorium at 7:00pm tonight with your instrument, do you understand?" I tried to explain to her that I would need to check with my parents first. "I've already spoke with your mother." she said, "You will be in the pit at 7:00pm this evening. Am I clear?" And that was it. I played for every show, fall and spring, for my entire high school career. That teacher included me. She made a way for me to participate. 

Choir Director - He wasn't the greatest conductor technically, I know that now. He was a tenor himself and a darn good one, but waving his arms (and playing the piano) were not his forte. Yet, there was something about him. He understood that if we could touch the music, if we could experience it for ourselves, it would do the work. He also understood that his job was to create experiences for us. He made sure we had events, trips, and other things to do that helped us understand how music fit our society and culture. He must've seen something in me, because by my junior year he was letting me conduct. When he was sick, it was my class to lead. When he was there he made sure to coach me. He's the reason I direct choir today. He wasn't a friend, he was more than that: a mentor. He trusted us to do the work and wasn't afraid to let us try it. More importantly, though - he inspired me. 

Psychology Teacher - A cabana button up shirt and scrubby khakis everyday. I don't think a single teacher put more into my mind than he did. I had him for one semester and in that semester I learned more about life than I could've imagined. At the time I had no clue how profoundly he had touched me, but looking back I use more of the data I learned in his class on a daily basis, than any other teacher. At first I thought he didn't like me. He made it a point to give me a hard time. I'm not sure why? Looking back, though, it was the fact that he challenged me that made his class so successful. He pushed me to consider everything that was moral, ethical, and good. He was our own personal Socrates.   

The list goes on and is too great to tell here...

Economics: Treated everyone with respect. 

Chemistry: Blew our minds (among other things like windows and white phosphorus) He taught everything by example. Working through examples with us until we knew how to do it. 

English 10: Refused to settle for less than our best. 

Algebra II/Trigonometry: Believed in me, even when I didn't believe in myself. 

Algebra I: Was positive even though he was dying of cancer. 

... each teacher giving me some encouragement. They worked together, perhaps without knowing. They created a space in the world for me. They created a space for my class. They paved the way.

When I was wrapping up my student teaching at Butler University I was having a quiet conversation with one of my professors over coffee. I said, "Sir, what if I screw up? What if I get it wrong? What if I teach my students something incorrectly? What then?" He smiled and said, "Son, I'm going to tell you a little secret about education: Students are going to learn because of you, and in spite of you. Either way, they're going to learn. Your job is to make it easy for them to learn, put the knowledge out there for them to grab hold of, but the rest of it... that's on them." 

The New Tech Network has a motto. It's, "Trust, Respect, Responsibility." That's not a bad place to take a school culture. Fostering that in students takes strong teachers, though. Teachers that are willing to take risks, to teach beyond the walls of the classroom and beyond the time of the school day. Teachers that include every student, and find ways to challenge them.

It was interesting to me to find that in the top echelon of effect strategies, was Teacher-Student relationship. I know that works... 

I'm a product.