Walk The Walk

When I began teaching, did I stop learning?

I certainly hope not.

I wonder if any other teachers ever question their position as ‘teacher’?  Is the role of teacher better (or different) than the role of student?  

Are we missing out by limiting our job description to one who instructs?

Before I became a teacher, I loved learning, and I loved school.  Whenever I discover something new, it’s like a tiny piece of the universe has been revealed to me.  Why would I act as if I know everything in front of a class of students?  Learning continues, as does the joy.  If I don’t continue to learn, I’m sapping the life out of my own education.

Besides, kids can spot a faker from a mile away.  If I’m not enjoying myself, they’re not going to buy anything I’m selling.

Learning can be scary.  Anything new can be scary.  My students and I have been talking about fear, and how it holds us back from so many new experiences.  It’s kind-of freaky how many opportunities are lost when we started to think about it.

Listen to Norman Seeff discuss his findings, and compare the creative process with the learning process:

Isn’t it interesting to listen to successful people talk about facing their fears and committing to their work?  I’m grateful to Norman for documenting these experiences, and for presenting his findings — my students and I were mesmerized by the ideas and reflections shared between Norman and his subjects.

His “Seven Stage Diagram of the Creative Process” helps us to consider how important it is to recognize the factors that stall our progress when we attempt to create (or to innovate… or even learn).

Last week, some of my students met with our Director to talk about these ideas (and many more).  I’m so proud of them for sharing their questions and concerns… and so happy to be part of a school board where we are encouraged to learn together.

My thanks to NRHS students for taking time to meet and discuss differentiated instruction @ColleenKR @NRRDHS pic.twitter.com/0ZTxFyukMv

— SGDSB (@SGDSBoard) May 23, 2015

 

@Jo ryzechner @ColleenKR will continue to discuss growth mindset @NRRDHSpic.twitter.com/iqVNCv7pDn — SGDSB (@SGDSBoard) May 23, 2015

 

This post is pushing my thinking: “Personalizing Our Approach To Supporting Change” **make sure to read through the comments (and links)**

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