When a class ends,
Rejoicing mixes with pensiveness,
Particularly when your Jesuit-based-institution
Embraces reflection.
Sometimes, those reflections are
A better evidence of learning than grades.
"Last year, I thought I knew everything about learning to read and almost everything about teaching because I had been to school and my children were in school even though I had not begun teaching. I thought "old" teachers did not think about kids and only cared about paychecks. I thought I was going to be THAT teacher that threw out all the old stuff that was not working and change things. I would have all my students focus on phonological awareness and after they were sure of all the sounds they would be reading everything they wanted to read. I was sure that I had all the answers. Then, the more I learned, the more I learned I needed to learn, and the more I wanted to learn, and the more questions I had! Some might say that my questions mean I am not ready to be a leader; however, I know, now, that my questions mean I am prepared to be a critical reader, a careful consumer of ideas, and a respectful teacher who knows there are no one-size fix-all-solutions to working with the diverse humans who all deserve to be readers, writers, and learners in all of our classes."
Class dismissed.
3 comments:
Getting ready to do the end of year reflection. I have a tendency to start down the path of what I didn't get a chance to get to, instead of celebrating what I learned.
Anita, that's an A+ for an insightful reflection. There's good in the old ways and we teachers never stop learning and looking for new ways to make kids successful learners. I hope you enjoy a fun yet restful and relaxing summer! :)
"Then, the more I learned, the more I learned I needed to learn, and the more I wanted to learn, and the more questions I had! " The only leaders worth following are the ones who keep asking questions, who listen as much as they provide guidance, and who keep that curiosity coming! Now deep breath, there is so much more ahead. Happy Summer!
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