I was brought up to give of oneself and help others. I am always willing to assist as can be evidenced by all the sites that I share. I do this because I know as a former classroom teacher and later as a teacher librarian how hard it is to teach. I have been criticized by some for sharing such much but on the other hand so many people have thanked me. I do not gain anything monetarily from my website. In fact it costs me money to sustain it as well as he countless hours and years I have put into the site. I just want to help in any way that I can.
I was fortunate to have a very varied teaching experience and will always be thankful to my first PLN who helped me get started with my teaching career.
When I was excessed because of seniority to a new school I will never forget coming in to the crowded teachers’ room and only finding a couch to sit on. I was immediately informed that I could not sit there as it was reserved. Some welcome! I made sure to always welcome and help the new staff members.
I cannot tell you how many times when I approached my administrators with a new idea or technique they turned it down with the statement: “We don’t do that here!” Be open to change and don’t exclude new approaches.
When I coached track I made sure in dual meets to include everyone who worked hard. I was criticized because I allowed a “slower” runner to compete. I stood my ground because he had been at all the practices and tried his best. At an awards banquet after we won the NYC Championship (arranged by a staff member who got the community to pitch in) a mother grabbed me and gave me a big hug. She was so appreciative that I had allowed her son to compete even though she knew he wasn’t the greatest athlete. She said it was really hard raising him as a single mother and I was responsible for changing his attitude and building his confidence.
Don’t exclude #stuvoice. Listen to your students and make sure you know how each child likes to learn.
The best curriculum I ever wrote was done collaboratively and we opened the door to anyone who had ideas. In my writing career producing educational materials for the utility companies I learned so much because I listened to all parties: children (my best reviewers), educators, parents and utility personnel.
Don’t exclude anyone who wants to help.