The Dock School Leader Podcast

Should current events be taught as a one-time per week class, a daily 5-minute reference and review, or simply integrated into class discussions? How can the teacher maximize the nearly-universal interests in the here and now? How can the teacher develop an alertness to connections between typical lesson content and what is current news? In this presentation, we explore these questions and more.

We all admire and appreciate the fruit of careful, rigorous training, whether in artisans, athletes, chefs, craftsmen, neurosurgeons, or preachers. We recognize, at least partially, the sacrificial dedication required to produce the behavior we appreciate. What happens when we apply our best sacrificial dedication—our most studied discipline—to spiritual growth? What does such training entail? What are its fruits? This first session, in a series of four, is an introduction to the spiritual disciplines.

Culture is the "hidden curriculum" or "persona" that shapes and influences every aspect of your classroom. Mr. Hurst focuses on the spiritual, academic, and social aspects of a school and the teacher's role in creating a healthy, safe school culture.

Why should you love teaching history?

Austin explains the delight of guiding students through the darkness and brilliance of the past. He recommends two trade books that fit into American history class, and that call high school students to find their place in the story of God's work among his people.

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To teach children to write: a process as difficult as it is important. How can you empower your students to push past blank page syndrome? Prewriting is important, says Hannah, and it is made easier with graphic organizers such as Venn diagrams, clusters, and beginning-middle-end organizers.

But every stage of the writing process needs to be taught and modeled. Hannah demonstrates shared and interactive writing as effective methods for practicing the organization of ideas in preparation for writing.

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Clear expectations enable students to be productive and learn more quickly. But what does the teacher do when a student comes to school in emotional distress? Rather than brush aside the trauma, Keeshon encourages teachers to adapt their expectations as needed. He reflects on the importance of communicating with parents, maintaining the confidentiality of students, and listening to the student. And he reminds teachers that, in the end, they are responsible to enable every student to return to normal, productive work.

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You told them how to multiply two-digit numbers. They seem to understand. But can they do it?

In this video, Laurie shares the advantages of bringing students to the board to work. When everyone's work is visible, the teacher can correct mistakes, clarify misunderstandings, and monitor the progress of each student.

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If you expect your students to learn, you'll need to enlist their hands, eyes, and feet. Rhoda demonstrates how she uses proper posture to keep her students' attention, and calls each student to give the best.

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You take your calling seriously, so you give your time and energy to serving the people under your care. But what if you run out of time and energy? What if you're not properly caring for yourself? Paul walks us through areas in which teachers, pastors, and parents should pay attention. He describes his own morning routine, his strategy for decompressing at the end of the day, and his rationale for maintaining hobbies. What habits can you adopt to increase your wellness—and your ability to serve?

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Do devotionals need to be deliberate? Can they be planned ahead instead of quickly stirred out of the mud at the last minute? Perhaps a pattern is good to set. Discover some Biblical subjects that are well-suited for teaching school-aged children.