The ABC's High School Teachers Really Need to Know

We're back on the podcast and back in school!  Start the year by investing in your students and yourselves.  The people must always come before the process, particularly in August.  Bring your best and carry that energy all the way to May!

Don't give apologies or make excuses when it comes to advocating for students.  Being an effective teacher means that we focus on relationships and creating a process and environment that are conducive to learning.  Sometimes, advocating means we have to also make tough and unpopular decisions (especially in the minds of students).  Still, we have to be leaders.  We have to be educators.  

I am asked constantly to name some common pitfalls educators make.  While the entire podcast is that list to some degree, this episode includes some mistakes regularly made by classroom teachers.  Becoming an effective educator means avoiding them (or learning from them after you make them).  If you don't you'll absolutely regret it.

We've said it many times...teachers are superheroes.  In this episode, we discuss the importance of identifying and leveraging your unique superpowers as an educator.  What makes you effective?  What moves the needle?  What makes you and your process amazing?  Answering these questions will help you improve outcomes in a big way.  

Administrators are people too!  Seriously, take the time to build a genuine relationship with your admin.  It will typically help you and those you serve.  Most importantly, it will make your job and day-to-day much more meaningful.  

Teachers love ideas that are effective and efficient.  Here's one that will save you so much time, spare you from needless headaches, and help you become better at your job:  make it a regular practice to vary your vantage points.  You'll be so glad you did...and so will your students.  

All students need experience solving problems, making decisions, advocating for themselves, applying skills, and completing assignments under pressure.  It's a crucial instructional approach, that when used in a balanced and productive way, generates better, more meaningful outcomes.  While effective teachers never intentionally humiliate, power struggle, or leave students to drown in the classroom, they also know that providing ample opportunities for students to work under pressure, think on their feet, and demonstrate skills in real time are critical for effective academic and personal development.  

Effective teachers know that action is necessary to make change and positive impact happen.  All too often, we talk too much, make too many excuses, or give in to inaction.  Whether it's in how you manage your classroom, your process, or yourself, don't be afraid to take action.  Don't make empty promises or underestimate your ability.  Trying to improve and grow are extremely important goals themselves and far superior to choosing stagnation.  

The more we focus on grades and policies like "credit recovery" the less we focus on the things that really matter - learning and mastery.  It really is a mindset that must play out in classrooms each and every day.  Unfortunately, too many teachers fail to recognize this and/or are simply unaware of how to create a "mastery classroom."  As a result, they become highly ineffective.  

Excessive negativity and overreaction seems to be creeping into the classroom from all around us.  It can make our jobs seem counterproductive or even impossible.  However, effective educators use philosophical approaches and practical strategies to keep the rot at bay.  Will there always be problem stakeholders and problem situations that come up in the classroom...absolutely.  Can we overcome and minimize those things...absolutely.