The ABC's High School Teachers Really Need to Know

Effective teachers know that there are common elements in every powerful lesson.  In this episode, we will talk about them.  Also, we will discuss example lessons that illustrate and utilize these elements.  

Please take the time to listen to this week's episode.  Do it for YOU!  Effective teachers know that learning to bandage our wounds will lead to both better student outcomes and increased professional longevity.  Letting things go, establishing a healthy perspective, and focusing on the victories will move the needle for you, your career, and your effectiveness.  

We're back!  In this week's episode, we talk about the importance of affecting change, even though it feels like we're sometimes swimming upstream.  Effective teachers know that spending a disproportionate amount of time on students that don't want or refuse to learn is a losing proposition.  It's also time for us to actively and intentionally engage with parents.  Together, we can generate better outcomes.  

In our final episode of the season, we look at how to turn the challenges of the 4th nine-weeks into incredible learning opportunities that improve outcomes.  Simply put, effective teachers are at their best in May.  We don't "mail it in" or give up.  We aren't just trying to survive.  Instead, we are leveraging the relationships we have built and the academic grit we have developed to help students achieve more than ever.  

If you had to sum up your impact in the classroom in one sentence, what would it say?  How similar would it be to the sentence your kids would write?  Effective teachers strive to make a positive difference.  They also realize that being remembered for that impact is far more important than being remembered as a person.  

Living in the past, no matter how great it may be, can lead to emotional drag for you and unfair comparisons and contrasts for your students.  Effective teachers realize the importance of being fully present for their students and coworkers.  They also know that putting good memories where they belong and turning the page on the negative are critical keys to finding longevity and peace in our profession.  

As a regular part of your process, utilize content experts/professionals, interventionists, and strong continuing education resources.  Make relationships with people outside of your classroom and leverage them to generate better outcomes for your students.  Don't just focus on your output.  Feed the starving baker and focus a little more on input.  In the long run, you will become more efficient and effective, not to mention your students will be the beneficiaries of more meaningful lessons.  

As an educator, if you aren't venturing into the unknown, you are reducing your effectiveness as a classroom manager, content leader, and professional colleague.  Don't grow or change for the sake of growing and changing.  Instead, venture into the unknown to add to your toolbox.  Those new tools can impact lives in such an incredible way - including your own.  

Educators have to balance a seemingly endless number of tasks and responsibilities.  This can lead to stress, anxiety, fatigue, burnout, and a lack of focus.  However, effective teachers know the importance of eliminating clutter and zeroing in on what's important - our students and learning objectives.  Clear your path and remind yourself to "make the main thing the main thing."  

In this episode, we will talk about ten things that can help reduce or eliminate misery in your classroom.  From mindless structure and obsessive bathroom policies to overreactions to gum chewing and more, we will discuss it.  It's amazing how being mindful of a few things can transform a below-average classroom to an effective one.