The ABC's High School Teachers Really Need to Know

It's amazing how much dysfunction is ingrained in our classrooms, schools, and the education system itself.  Much of it is so prevalent that we have resigned ourselves to accept it as reality.  We can do better.  Effective educators identify normalized dysfunction in their classrooms and then take steps to begin eliminating it.  For things we can't completely control, we advocate for change and  focus on leading by example.  

Teachers live a dual existence as very public figures trying to also have a private life.  It is difficult for many educators to understand and achieve a balance between the two.  It's important that we don't let awareness of our public perception become worry or fear.  Also, we can't be scared to be ourselves inside or outside of the classroom.  Being unauthentic reduces your quality of life and the quality of education for your students.   

The Octopus Mentality is crucial for any effective educator.  If you're not familiar with it, you should definitely tune in to this week's episode.  It could change your whole perspective on working with your students, your process, and even with yourself.  This is an episode of self-reflection that could lead to real improvement for your students and a longer and more successful career in education for you.    

Effective teachers know that functioning in absolutes is very difficult and often counterproductive to authentic learning.  Learning to expect, navigate, and plan for the gray is both a skill and professional necessity in education.  As a teacher, becoming more comfortable working in the gray will have lasting benefits for you and your students.  

Most people aren't terrible.  You have to believe that to survive and thrive in education.  It's both a mindset and a philosophy.  If you let the negative control you or your process, everyone will suffer.  

This week's episode is a good old fashion reminder of some key classroom management mistakes.  If you are the teacher that "throws" or the teacher that "quips" with your students, or you know someone who is, you better listen up.  

Effective teachers regularly ask themselves, "What do kids need?" in order to understand their own teaching philosophy and measure effectiveness.  It's difficult to improve outcomes if you don't know what you actually value as an educator and subsequently set goals to achieve it.  

This week's episode is all about challenging ourselves to open our minds to growing and developing as a professional.  Yes, "PD" can be time-consuming and terrible, but it doesn't have to be!  Start advocating and getting involved!  Be a part of the solution and not the problem.  Professional development provided by your school or other organizations should supplement your own efforts to grow as both a content specialist and classroom manager.  Explore topics and become an active learner yourself.  Engage in your craft so you can better lead students and your process.    

In this week's episode, we look at some commonly confused words that have huge implications for the education system, and most importantly, our students.  Effective educators must understand these words, as well as how they impact their teaching philosophy and academic process.  

Your students respect and love you...even if they don't show it or even know it yet!  It's hard for secondary teachers to get that much needed affirmation from students in the short-term (which is important for making adjustments in the learning process AND finding confidence and self-worth in our roles).  Trust me though, the signs are there!  Keep your focus on building relationships and reminding yourself you're making a difference.  You are bringing both value and life-changing impact.