With Renewed Vigor

I started this blog about 10 months ago with the hopes of providing insight into the daily thoughts of an educator.  That was an extremely hopeful set of hopes, so I decided to provide insight into the weekly thoughts of an educator.  When that didn't work, I settled for monthly thoughts and, well, you get the picture.  I haven't posted since New Year's Day, and while I have done by best to "become" more as I wrote in that post, I have done a poor job of reflecting on that experience through my writing.

A few nights ago I had decided this blog was not being effective.  I wasn't writing, which means no one was reading - including me.  I hadn't even revisited my own reflections for months.  I was considering shutting it down.  Then, as if the universe knew my thoughts, I participated in Thursday night's #moedchat on Twitter.  (Side note:  if you are an educator, pick at least one ed chat and participate - it will positively impact your teaching.  I highly recommend @MOedchat.)  The topic for Thursday night's chat was, wait for it, blogging.

Throughout the night I was reminded how important reflection is to the teaching process.  We become better by reviewing our lessons and values, evaluating their effectiveness, and making changes to improve our craft.  I am thankful for all those educators who shared their knowledge in the chat because they convinced me, without knowing it, not to shut down this blog.  Instead, I want to blog more than I have in the past - whether anyone reads it or not.  Blogging is my chance to review and reflect - if I don't write it down, I will not truly think in-depth about anything.  So, it is with this renewed vigor that I pledge to write more.  In order to reach that goal (and hold myself accountable), I am listing below, in no particular order, topics I plan to blog about this summer.  If you have any suggestions about my list, please feel free to comment below!  (I also plan to comment on educator blogs more frequently...details on that later.)

My Blog To-Do List
Author's note:  I hate to-do lists.
1.  Connected educators/learning
2.  My year in review
3.  iPads in education
4.  The causes and effects of David Glass buying the Royals organization(sorry, wrong blog)
5.  Importance of background knowledge
6.  Kidblog
7.  Standards based grading
8.  Male teachers in elementary level classrooms
9.  "Looping"
10.  Classroom management

I'm sure there are more...but 10 seems like a nice stopping point.

Are you a blogging educator?  I would love to discuss blogging for reflection and benefit from your experience.  Feel free to begin a dialogue in the comments section!

Becoming 2014

At the end of my last post of 2013, I promised a new post coming that would be a look ahead.  Almost immediately, I regretted this decision.  The promise was made in hopes of it forcing me to post again, instead of waiting so long between writings.  It worked, but I was not happy with myself for what I had promised.

I don't "look ahead".  I don't make new year's resolutions, either, at least not as an adult.  I can vaguely remember making a list of resolutions as a kid, but I have not made resolution one since growing up.  This is not to say there is anything wrong with making resolutions, they just don't work for me.  Like most teachers, I reflect constantly and am always thinking about how I can be better (at my career - reflecting on my personal life is pretty much a lost cause).

With that in mind, I had no clue what I was going to write about in this promised "looking ahead" post.  Then, last night, I read something that had what will no doubt prove to be a lasting impact in my life.  Two of the hobbies I enjoy in what little free time I have are sports and reading.  One of the people I follow on Twitter is Richard Deitsch, who covers sports writing and media.  He always has remarkable insight into how sports are covered.  He also occasionally sends out interesting non-sports tweets, like he did last night.

I always want my first tweet of a new year to have meaning. Take it away, Kurt Vonnegut: http://t.co/lI8theZoRI
— Richard Deitsch (@richarddeitsch) January 1, 2014

Kurt Vonnegut is one of my favorite authors, I could write a whole post about Slaughterhouse Five alone.  So, I had to read this letter by Vonnegut to a group of high school students.  I suggest you read it as well.  In case you don't have time to read the whole letter, allow me to share the one line that inspired me:  "What I had to say to you, moreover, would not take long, to wit: Practice any art, music, singing, dancing, acting, drawing, painting, sculpting, poetry, fiction, essays, reportage, no matter how well or badly, not to get money and fame, but to experience becoming, to find out what's inside you, to make your soul grow."

While I enjoy music and writing, the one art I have chosen is teaching - and it is the one thing that truly makes my soul grow.  Yet, sometimes I find myself looking at it as just my job.  It easy to do - you get lost in the motions of day to day life as a teacher.  There are meetings that I struggle to survive.  Managing the curriculum can be overwhelming at times.  Deadlines seem to loom over every horizon.  These things, among others, make you feel like you are just a cog in the wheel - punching the clock in and out every twelve hours or so.  I needed that letter from Kurt Vonnegut. 

If I don't take care of the small things or the boring things, I can't practice my art to its full extent. I am reminded today that the little details that seem so tedious are part of a greater purpose.  That purpose is to pass on to my students the idea of becoming - of finding something about which they are passionate, be it math, reading, writing, science, music, film-making, investigating, or whatever.  My job, my art, is to help them find their art.  To inspire them to "find out what's inside".  If I am going to reach that purpose I must model this concept of becoming.  It won't be easy, but in the coming semester I am making a goal to live in the moment, to make each moment spent practicing the art of teaching memorable.  I owe it to my class, but I also owe it to myself.

I guess, if I had to make a resolution it would be this:  to "experience becoming" every day, whether I am doing what I truly love (working with students), or having to take care of the tedious items that make those fun days possible.

"Year-End" Reflection

It occurred to me recently that, at least for the past 25 years of my life, I never have looked at December 31st as the end of a year.  My life revolves around school years.  My New Year's Eve is really sometime in August every year.  I usually even have a hard time remembering what happened in the first six or seven months of a calendar year because to me it happened "last year".  Well, that and I am pretty sure I am losing my memory at the ripe old age of 30, but I digress...

I told you that to set this post up:  this is not a "year in review" post, it is more like a semester in review.  What follows are not my thoughts on 2013, they are my thoughts on the first half of 2013-14.  It's basically a halftime pep talk to myself.


Master's Degree

After seven years of teaching, I finally decided to start my pursuit of a master's degree in August.  For some people, this is probably a small thing, but for me it was kind of a big deal.  It is something I have wanted to do for several years, but, due to some mistakes I've made as well as a healthy dose of indecision, I kept putting it on hold. 

One reason I waited so long to start a program was I was unsure of what I wanted to be when I grow up.  I know for sure I never can be a principal - I don't like having people mad at me all the time!  Several people suggested I should go get my school counseling degree, which is something I considered in depth.  However, I was never sold on that because I struggle leaving work problems at work and being a counselor would only exacerbate that problem.  Then, in June I attended an iPad training (more on that in a bit) and realized the perfect career path for me:  educational technology.

I enrolled in classes at MidAmerica Nazarene University and am now roughly a third of the way through my degree in technology-enhanced teaching.  This has notonly benefited me, but also my students.  I am learning new tools, projects, and strategies to use in the classroom with every course I complete.  As crazy as it may sound, this was definitely the best decision of my year.

iPads

Last year (well, last school year) I was fortunate to be chosen as an iPad classroom through our district's PH Connect Me grant.  My class received 15 iPads - enough for a 2:1 student to tablet ratio.  This has revolutionized the way I teach.  There was a bit of a learning curve at first, and I was nervous about putting such expensive technology in the hand of 8 and 9 year olds.  However, the kids have done amazing work and have shown a high digital IQ in handling the devices.  Mobile technology just may be the future of education and I am thrilled to have been part of it early on.

Integrating hand-held tech into my classroom has allowed me to become a more project-based teacher, which is something I have always wanted to be.  The kids are learning, but sometimes they don't even realize it.  They are becoming investigators, problem solvers, and creators.  In fact, this new style of teaching brought about by receiving the iPads led to what is, so far, my single favorite night of my teaching career.  I blogged about it back in September, and if you missed that post, you can check it out here.

New Classroom Management Style

As shocking as this may seem, I am not a perfect teacher.  There are several aspects of teaching that I am not the best at.  However, I have always been proud of my classroom management skills.  This is going to sound conceited, I realize, but since becoming a more experienced teacher, I have consistently had well behaved classes.  I always hear that I have good kids every year and this is equal parts truth and bothersome to me.  It is truth because that is part of my management system:  I do have good kids, but that is because I don't believe in "bad" kids.  It is bothersome because the people I hear it from often make it sound like I am benefiting from luck of the draw, that I have nothing to do with their behavior...but I think I do.

My theory on classroom management has always been to set up a community or "family" feel in our room (partly by referring to it as "our room").  For years I have struggled to fit my theory into popular classroom management strategies - the latest fad seems to be the clip chart.  Then I read a post at Miss Night's Marbles about why she doesn't use a clip chart.  I decided to give it a try and it has been awesome.  I really don't use any system of management.  My class and I decided on four statements at the beginning of the year that we agreed represented what we believe a good class should be.  Now, we do the right thing because it is just that:  the right thing to do.

There have been bumps on the way, but getting rid of the clip chart has turned my classroom into a true community - more so than ever before.  I realized this during our Winter Party.  I am not much of a party planner, so the party was a pancake and sausage breakfast (prepared by a great set of parent volunteers) and a sing-a-long.  That was all I planned for almost two hours:  no crafts, no games, just breakfast and a sing-a-long (and a coloring page...).  In the past, I have worried about keeping the kids entertained - it is after all the last day before winter break.  This year, as breakfast was being served and devoured I looked around the room and saw the kids just relaxing and talking.  No one was being left out of conversations.  No one was acting inappropriately.  It was just like a family sitting down to a holiday dinner. (Except for no one acting inappropriately-that happens at most family dinners, doesn't it?)  I'm pretty sure this was the second greatest moment of my career, just behind the homecoming project.

Well...that was a long retrospective.  I'm tired of typing and I'm sure you're tired of reading!  So, I will end here.  I am planning a post looking ahead to the second semester in a few days, if you are interested watch for that.

Happy New Semester!

"The Most Powerful Weapon"

image via http://pixabay.com/

I have been to Memphis twice.  It is one of my favorite cities.  I love the blues, the barbecue, and the people.  My adventures in Memphis have included Bob Dylan, Beale Street, Graceland, both Sun and STAX Studios, and some of the finest barbecue outside my hometown of Kansas City.  However, the true jewel in Memphis is the National Civil Rights Museum.  It has been a stop both times I have been there and it will be a stop the next time I go. 

When I went last summer, there was an exhibit about education and the Civil Rights Movement.  In fact the museum seems to be dedicating itself to continuing to advance civil rights by fighting for the right to a true equal education.  As part of the exhibit, there were several quotes on a wall focusing on the power of education.  The one that stuck with me was one by none other than Nelson Mandela - "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."

To say that quote caught my eye is a gross understatement.  I knew of Nelson Mandela's legacy.  Who doesn't?  He has been an inspiration to millions of people.  Yet, I am ashamed to admit, I had never read that statement before.  His words shook something loose in my brain.  It seemed to awaken a belief I had long held, but had never allowed to come to the surface.  "Education as a weapon?" I thought, "Brilliant!"

It is no secret that our world needs change and it is easy to become discouraged thinking that change will never come, no matter how loud and proud Sam Cooke belted it out.  As dysfunctional as our society appears, I still have to believe that one day our world will change for the better.  I believe that there will be a generation, perhaps even the generation sitting in my classroom today, that will rise up and end the discord that reigns in our society.  I also believe this will only happen through education.  This belief has become the one and only tenet of my faith - it is the one thing keeping me going, making me work harder and harder each day.  I am working to change the world - one student at a time.

Education allows students to explore their world and develop their own moral code.  The power of an education well delivered is not teaching students what to think, but how to think.  After reading Nelson Mandela's quote, I re-dedicated myself to giving students the ability to think for themselves, to teaching them defend their opinions and answers, and to instilling a sense of empathy for their fellow human beings. 

It is always sad when such a great person passes away, but it is hard for me to stay mournful tonight.  Tonight I am thankful for Nelson Mandela.  I am thankful for a life well-lived.  And I am thankful for his words that renewed my sense of purpose in teaching.  I am not just a glorified babysitter.  I am an arms dealer - selling my students the greatest weapon in the world, the only weapon I hope they ever use, the one weapon that can actually make a positive change:  an education.

Homecoming: Another Reason to Enjoy Teaching

Those of you who don't live in a small town may not understand this, but homecoming in a rural community is kind of a big deal.  Every school, from our primary (K-2) building to our high school has its own spirit days each with a different theme.  The whole town seems to shut down for a parade.  There are multiple class reunions every year at the game.  Like I said, kind of a big deal.  As a high school student, I loved homecoming week.  Then I became a teacher.  The "spirit days" I enjoyed as a student tend to bring management nightmares and headaches.  I may sound like a buzz-kill, but you try competing for attention with a giant sombrero on hat day, light up toe socks on crazy sock day, or growling bear foot slippers on pajama day and see how you feel. 

After 8 years of being a homecoming week Grinch (I only participated in pajama day because it was an excuse to wear comfortable pants - which I discovered too late to have a hole in the crotch.), my perspective on the pageantry, excitement, and fervor surrounding it has suddenly been reversed.  This reversal is all because of my students.  Yes, those same students who wear outrageous hats, socks, and pajamas all week.

Two weekends ago I called my colleague and partner in crazy teaching ideas, Jackie Cattron (check out her blog here), and told her that I had an idea that was either brilliant or absolutely insane.  The idea was to have our students create a news report about homecoming in a small town as a part of our unit on types of communities.  To be completely honest, I was hoping she would talk me out of it.  Unfortunately, Jackie being the creative and fun-loving teacher she is, I was not discouraged from our conversation.  Instead we immediately came up with a plan and were at school early the next Monday to get approval from our principal and director of technology.  Once our plan was approved, we realized the gigantic task we had just decided to undertake.

After hours of planning, teaching the research process, practice interviews, and composing questions, the big week came.  Softball players and other high school students came and talked to our classes at school, allowing students to ask what can only be described as "interesting" questions.  We owe an enormous amount of gratitude to the activities director, coaches, and students who were gracious with their time. 

Then, on the actual day of homecoming, several students and parents from both of our classes met us first at the parade and then at the game to film, take pictures, and conduct first person interviews about homecoming.  This is the day my perspective on homecoming was changed.  I watched as roughly two dozen 8 and 9 year olds became investigative journalists, photographers, and film-makers.  They politely asked for interviews or pictures.  They searched for artistic shots.  They filmed on-field injuries ("We got the whole injury on our iPad!") and touchdowns.  One student from Miss Cattron's class even used every bit as much skill as a seasoned reporter to make his way in front of all the high school students to film the homecoming coronation at half time, telling the much older students that his teacher told him to get it on video.

While watching (nervously) all of these students walking around and using their iPads to capture the event I realized two things.  First, a small town homecoming is truly special.  The people were more than happy to talk to our kids.  The excitement and pride in the air as our Pleasant Hill Roosters demolished the opponent was electrifying.  A whole town, which incidentally had been rocked by tragedy more than once in the past weeks, came together to celebrate community.  As annoying as spirit days might seem to a teacher, I can't deny the power and importance of homecoming.  Second, I realized that these students were not only learning, but they were excited about it.  In fact, they were learning without realizing they were learning - which is something every teacher strives to achieve.  I'm not sure when it hit me - it was either when I saw a miniature row of photographers on the sidelines capturing the band at halftime or when the students took their press privileges to the next level and took pictures of (and with!) the homecoming queen and her court* - but I suddenly realized that the students weren't the only ones excited.  I was too.

I told my colleague, Miss Cattron, as we left the stadium that we very well may have just created a spark in one of those students.  One of those eager young film-makers might grow up to be an investigative reporter or a photographer or a director.  In the coming days, as we edit the movies, some 3rd grader might decide that he or she wants to grow up to be a sound or video technician.  Last night will be one of the most memorable nights of my career.  Last night, I was fortunate to watch a group of students experience an exciting, authentic learning experience that they will hopefully always remember.  And that, I'm pretty sure, is yet another reason why I teach.

*The students kind of went rogue with the whole homecoming queen business.  We tried to ask permission of one or two of the girls to take their pictures.  All of a sudden, around 15 to 20 third graders were not just taking pictures, but also posing with the queen and all the other homecoming court...and their families.  It was one of several moments during the night that I thought we would get kicked off the field!

Lasting Impact

I can't remember if I ever thanked her.  I've been trying to remember for almost a week now.  Oh, I'm sure I gave her a teacher appreciation gift and a thank you card a couple of times - my mom always made me.  That's not what I mean, though.  I mean a true, heartfelt thanks - the kind that makes someone know they are truly appreciated.  I don't think I ever had the chance (or is it that I never took the chance?) to properly thank Ms. North and now I never really will.  So, let this post be my thank you.  I apologize for its tardiness.

Rita North was first my elementary music teacher, then my voice coach, and finally my choir director.  At least, those were her job titles.  She was, of course, so much more to me and to all her students, friends, and family.  I attended her funeral today. It was really more of a celebration, which is what it should've been.  I know that I am not the only one who would not be where I am without her influence.

Teaching is my first love, my passion.  But music is a close second.  Some students will tell you that the two are so entwined that it is often hard to tell the difference. I learned that from Ms. North.  A song makes anything better.  Without music, life would be empty.  Music is one thing that can unite people of all backgrounds.  Rita was my first influence in music.  She is the reason I still love it today.

At first, I thought that was her only influence on me, but I was wrong.  As I have reflected these past few days since she passed away, I have seen her influence in so many places.  Not surprisingly, one of those areas in which I see her stamp on my life is in my teaching.  Ms. North took over the elementary music program when I was in 2nd grade.  One of the first lessons I remember her teaching was one in which she played a song and asked us to simply move in whatever way the music made us feel like moving.  As I slithered across the floor like a snake, I remember thinking, "Man, our old music teacher would never let us do this!  Ms. North is awesome!"  The next year I signed up for voice lessons.  I was the only boy and slightly embarrassed by that, but Rita made me feel proud.  She made me feel cool for wanting to be a musician.  It is that innovative, creative thinking that I try to bring to my teaching today.  I didn't realize it, but she is the reason why.

I also remember how Ms. North made us feel like a real part of her life.  She would bring out her guitar and sing Silent Night every year as the holidays got closer.  Her alto voice beautifully meshed with the simple chords she played and to this day it is the one sound I think of when I think of Christmas.  Ms. North would joke with us, laugh with us, even cry with us when we needed it.  We weren't just in her class; we were in her life.  Once again, I realized last week that she is the reason I strive to make the same connections with my students each year.

I could go on.  I could tell you about how she made me feel I was unique and talented.  I could tell you about the insane work ethic that she instilled in me.  But words fail me.  Suffice it to say, Ms. North's impact is far-reaching and long-lasting.  A light has gone out in the world with Rita North's passing.  However, the places touched by that light still shine - and that is the true measure of a teacher.  I only hope that one day I have a fraction of the impact she had.

Thank you, Ms. North.

Why Do I Teach?

I probably ask myself this question once or twice a year.  Usually it happens when I get particularly frustrated with something like my standardized testing results or after a string of days where nothing seems to go smoothly.  Why do I teach?

Please don't misunderstand:  I would never change the career path I have chosen.  It is never a frustration with the profession, the tasks I undertake each day, or the kids I work with.  The profession is what I love the most, the tasks give me the challenge I need, and the kids are the whole reason for doing what I do.  Rather, the question arises out of a frustration with myself.  Those who know me will tell you no one is more critical of me than, well, me.  It is when I get discouraged with my performance, or my ability to teach, that my fear of failing my students takes over and I ask, again, "Why do I teach?".

This blog post is meant to answer that question; to remind me of the reasons I teach so I can come back and read it on those days when I am so frustrated.  Let's face it, I am actually writing this for me, although I do appreciate you taking the time from your day to read it.  This is why I teach.

I teach because education provides me with a daily challenge.
As I mentioned previously, I need to be challenged.  I am that person who gets bored too easily.  My parents can tell you based on many childhood experiences, I am not a fun person to be around when I am bored.  There is no profession that can challenge me more than teaching while still meeting all the other career necessities I have.  Sure, brain surgery is tough, but that was out of the question when I realized that blood and, even worse, needles were involved.  The challenges of education are more subtle.  Every year at fall and Valentine's Day parties, parents say "I don't know how you do this every day!"  The truth is, what they see as hard - the management piece - is the easy part for me.  The challenges I have are balancing lesson plans with curriculum while integrating technology, keeping my co-teacher in mind, and differentiating instruction to meet the levels of each student.  It is an intricate puzzle that, when solved the correct way gives you an amazing feeling of satisfaction.

I teach because it allows me to be surrounded by great people.
Solving that puzzle I just mentioned can't be done alone.  It takes collaboration with your peers and advice from administrators and teacher-leaders.  Education has allowed me to meet some of the greatest people in the world.  I have never written lesson plans alone - I have always bounced ideas off some of the brightest people in my district, if not state.  The give and take is as educational as it is entertaining.  Teachers as a whole are giving, caring, humorous, and genuine individuals.  We all want to be surrounded by people who inspire us every day.  Thankfully, teaching serves that purpose for me.  I am constantly inspired by the things I see in my building from a teacher listening to a student's 20 questions at recess to a team of educators planning a rigorous, multi-subject curriculum unit to creatively engage and instruct students.   Each day I get to work with a great group of friends and co-workers, yet another reason to teach.

I teach because I believe in the power of education.
This summer I went to Memphis with my good friends Ebony and Curtis.  While the trip was mostly built around music and seeing the legendary Bob Dylan live, we also stopped in at the National Civil Rights Museum.  This museum is a must visit for any social studies nerd!  There was a section of the museum about education and on the walls there were several quotes.  The one that has stuck with me since the trip is by Nelson Mandela, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."  Let's face it, our world is a mess.  Syria, Egypt, the economy, and political divides are just the tip of the iceberg.  I teach because I have to believe that just maybe, some 8 or 9 year old sitting in my classroom will be the person to figure out a fix to one of society's problems.  I know that is "pie-in-the-sky" thinking, but it is what I believe.  My career is one of the few that can change the world and that gives me great purpose each day.

I teach because it is fun.
Let's be honest, here.  I am basically a 3rd grader at heart.  I laugh at bodily functions, I still watch Garfield and Friends (the old one, from when I was a kid), and if I met Bo Jackson I would probably pass out from excitement.  Sometimes, I think I connect with the students in my room because I act just like them.  Over-exaggeration?  Maybe, but still, fun is important to me.  The quote about finding a job you love means you will never work a day is overused, but it is true.  Every day I go to school and genuinely have a blast.  From telling students ridiculous stories to entertain them while making a point (like saying I'm afraid of shoelaces to teach absurdity/nonsense) to hearing great jokes to those moments that you have to laugh at, I am constantly entertained at my job.  How many people can say that?

I teach because it is rewarding in more ways than I can count.
There are so many reasons I teach, but the rest can all be summed up in this one point.  Teaching is one of the most fulfilling callings out there.  Sometimes I get frustrated when I hear teachers complaining about pay.  Yes, I would like to be paid more.  Of course teachers are vastly underpaid.  However, not a single teacher ever got into the profession to drive a Benz and live in a mansion.  (Author's note:  If you happen to have an empty mansion you are willing to donate to a certain 3rd grade teacher, please let me know.)  Education is a calling; a passion.  The day I stop feeling rewarded by working in education is the day I need to retire.  How is it rewarding?  Let me give you the most recent example.  Last week, a 4th grade teacher came up to me at lunch and told me about a student who remembered every detail of a specific lesson I taught on writing last year.  While this isn't necessarily the most uncommon occurrence in a school, the particular student doing the remembering is what filled me with pride.  I could have sworn he wasn't paying attention to a word I said - ever!  Apparently he at least learned one thing and that is all I can ask for.  That wasn't the truly rewarding part, though.  I called the student into my room and told him how excited I was that he remembered a writing lesson and thanked him for telling his new class about it.  The look on his face is what was rewarding.  The look on his face was one of pride in himself; a look of being excited about learning.  That look is why I teach.

Why do you teach?  I would enjoy hearing your stories in the comments section!