The Credible Teacher

I give a quick rant on why it's unnecessary for teachers to feel guilty about finding a balance between school and life. And, why being an empathetic teacher doesn't mean we have to feel more stressed than we already are.

I document why consistency is so powerful as a teacher (and human) as well as how our daily exchanges between students and teachers are great opportunities to build our credibility.

I document a mistake I made when I emailed a parent (vs. calling them) and why calling is a better choice, depending on the situation.

I document how I used the decisions a student made during recess as an opportunity to build relationships (and credibility), even after assigning a lunch detention with me.

I document a theme I'm noticing in teacher credibility research and share a brief story about how I perceive myself differently now than I have in the past. And, why it might be everything needed to become the teacher we wanted to be when we started!

I document how I learned what I could improve with the podcast and why building credibility with my students is a process that is continuously occurring, like most things in life.

I document why allowing time for us to have great conversations in class, even when we have a lesson we need to teach, may be what's needed to create the community that makes students want to engage with school.

I document my overuse of 'um' and 'ya know' as well as share why I believe self reflection like this is an integral part of becoming a more credible person/teacher.

I share a great quote about life that got me thinking and share how the journey of becoming a more credible teacher seems to be one that is more inward than outward.

I document how and why I provide students with perspective before they begin taking the first of numerous standardized tests this spring.