Have a Wonderful 2019!
I share these ideas twice a year. At the beginning of the school year, and the beginning of the year. I've made some changes to my list.
Some suggestions for the new year:
- treat all students fairly, regardless of race, gender, age, behavior, a parent's nasty attitude, the comments from last year's teachers, or a seemingly lack of interest in learning
- to realize that all children can learn, but not always at the same pace.
- stop using sarcasm as a disciplinary tool, no matter how effective it may seem.
- speak in a quiet, even,tone, even when yelling seems to be the only option. (It never is!)
- "sticks and stones...but words"... Words can hurt worse than "sticks and stones." Please be careful of the words you use with a child.
- realize that you might be the only good thing that happens in a student's day
- try to meet all deadlines(With all the burdens placed on teachers these days, this one is VERY difficult)
- stop gossiping about other teachers, parents, students, administration...! (Difficult at times, I know)
- if you don't know, say you don't know (But find out or teach others how to find out)
- make mistakes, it's OK. But admit to them and then learn from them.
- challenge your students! Challenge yourself!
- share with colleagues, we are not in competition with each other.
- use technology as a tool to excite, engage, and empower students. Technology is not a subject!
- be involved in fighting what is happening in, and to, the public education system! (Standardized testing, education "reform", merit pay)
- be a lifelong learner
- continue to be passionate about the job, it really is about the kids!
- realize our biases impact the way we treat your students.
- Building relationships is key!
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