February Blog-A-Month Prompt:
Many times we doubt ourselves….but why? What can we do to believe in our own ability?
Leon Brown stated, “You are your own worst enemy.” I think this is because many people have an innate sense of wanting to be accepted, loved, and appreciated. No one wants to let down the people who care about them or rely on them.
As educators we are in a caring field. We give of ourselves to benefit our students, the future, and make the world a bit better or smarter than it was before. What called each of us to this profession is different, but I bet we share in a dedication to caring, giving back, or improvement. So if we, educators, are the givers, the caring, the suppliers of wisdom; shouldn’t we be skilled, talented, and beyond faults? Of course not! We are teachers not super human!
The calling that brings us to the classroom each day is also the trait which makes us sensitive. Reflective teachers are the most effective; always honing their craft and trying to make a difference. If one strategy is not working, try a new way. If at first we don’t succeed, try, try again. When we are put down, criticized, unappreciated it can be like putting salt in a wound. But the persistent and dedicated nature of educators helps us to heal. And we are well-stocked with a lifetime supply of Band-Aids. We can treat our wounds and move on. After all, the bell rang and a new class is starting…
Many times we doubt ourselves….but why? What can we do to believe in our own ability?
Leon Brown stated, “You are your own worst enemy.” I think this is because many people have an innate sense of wanting to be accepted, loved, and appreciated. No one wants to let down the people who care about them or rely on them.
As educators we are in a caring field. We give of ourselves to benefit our students, the future, and make the world a bit better or smarter than it was before. What called each of us to this profession is different, but I bet we share in a dedication to caring, giving back, or improvement. So if we, educators, are the givers, the caring, the suppliers of wisdom; shouldn’t we be skilled, talented, and beyond faults? Of course not! We are teachers not super human!
The calling that brings us to the classroom each day is also the trait which makes us sensitive. Reflective teachers are the most effective; always honing their craft and trying to make a difference. If one strategy is not working, try a new way. If at first we don’t succeed, try, try again. When we are put down, criticized, unappreciated it can be like putting salt in a wound. But the persistent and dedicated nature of educators helps us to heal. And we are well-stocked with a lifetime supply of Band-Aids. We can treat our wounds and move on. After all, the bell rang and a new class is starting…
November- Gratitude
Yes its cliche let's discuss gratitude and thanksgiving in the month of November. At first, this blog a month topic didn’t immediately resonate. Yes, I’m thankful for my new job. Yes, I'm thankful for my students who challenge me and whom I learn so much from. Yes, I'm thankful that I can help my students grow and overcome their challenges at a critical time in their development. But..isn’t this true for all educators?
I wanted to look deeper. As a Jew I looked to the text. The most well known and often cited readings about gratitude come from Pirkei Avot: Writing from Our Fathers.
Ben Zoma says, “Who is wise? One who learns from every person….
This was given to me on a painted piece of wood by my fellow teachers at AJA. Having worked their for 11 years, I thought, this is it? This is my parting gift? But that plain painted wood was not the gift. I was leaving with an intangible gift;experience, knowledge,friendship,reflection, community and memories. To me these traits combine to make up wisdom. I did learn from “every person.” As an educator, we learn from our students as much as they learn from us. Being able to see it, acknowledge it, appreciate the small learning moments. That is what makes all the difference.
Who is strong? One who subdues their personal inclination….
Strength is more than washboard abs and a toned ballerina body. Middle School teachers need to be strong. They need to have the strength to face teenagers, who do not realize the implications of what they say. They have to advocate for ALL students regardless of learning style or disability. We not only have to control our personal inclinations, but more importantly, we TEACH kids how to subdue their own. Controlling impulsivity is a challenge for so many students, whether it is controlling their physical actions, filtering their comments in class, or handling their ever changing moods and emotions. Teacher are strong and I am grateful to possess the skills and talents needed for this job.
Who is rich? One who is happy with their lot…..
Gratitude seems contagious and cyclical. If you are happy with what you have then it is contagious. Focusing on the negative gets you nowhere. Middle schoolers complain. They don’t like this, that is not fair, last year it was this way, too much this, not enough that...I could go on and on. I try to teach kids to put life into perspective. Appreciate their lots, at least acknowledge their blessings before complaining. Teaching students with learning challenges this comes into play a lot. They feel the pressures of school more often and the work is not easy. They have to have grit just to get through what is expected of them daily by teachers, friends and parents. It is hard to meet a standard set for everybody when you are NOT just everybody.
We teach students to appreciate their strengths, to look to their positives. Yes, they have challenges with reading, or memory, or abstract thinking, but they are so skilled on the court, their art is their true expressive outlet, or their ability to make people laugh brings joy to all around them. It is my responsibility as a teacher, the one who spends more time with teens than their own parents. I need to model gratitude, to coach gratitude, and point out what students should be grateful for. Because letting those teachable moments go by, will be a waste. We are developing future adults, not just teaching material!
Who is honored? One who honors others….
I am honored to be an influence on the lives of my students. It is my passion and life’s work to help them grow academically and as future career leaders, parents, and Jews. It is an honor to be part of a community. Part of the Kehilah which I do not take for granted. It is a blessing in my life which I know many of my friends do not even know they are missing. Appreciate what you have and your find happiness with your lot!
(Pirkei Avot 4:1, see Chief Rabbi’s green siddur, p.544)
Yes its cliche let's discuss gratitude and thanksgiving in the month of November. At first, this blog a month topic didn’t immediately resonate. Yes, I’m thankful for my new job. Yes, I'm thankful for my students who challenge me and whom I learn so much from. Yes, I'm thankful that I can help my students grow and overcome their challenges at a critical time in their development. But..isn’t this true for all educators?
I wanted to look deeper. As a Jew I looked to the text. The most well known and often cited readings about gratitude come from Pirkei Avot: Writing from Our Fathers.
Ben Zoma says, “Who is wise? One who learns from every person….
This was given to me on a painted piece of wood by my fellow teachers at AJA. Having worked their for 11 years, I thought, this is it? This is my parting gift? But that plain painted wood was not the gift. I was leaving with an intangible gift;experience, knowledge,friendship,reflection, community and memories. To me these traits combine to make up wisdom. I did learn from “every person.” As an educator, we learn from our students as much as they learn from us. Being able to see it, acknowledge it, appreciate the small learning moments. That is what makes all the difference.
Who is strong? One who subdues their personal inclination….
Strength is more than washboard abs and a toned ballerina body. Middle School teachers need to be strong. They need to have the strength to face teenagers, who do not realize the implications of what they say. They have to advocate for ALL students regardless of learning style or disability. We not only have to control our personal inclinations, but more importantly, we TEACH kids how to subdue their own. Controlling impulsivity is a challenge for so many students, whether it is controlling their physical actions, filtering their comments in class, or handling their ever changing moods and emotions. Teacher are strong and I am grateful to possess the skills and talents needed for this job.
Who is rich? One who is happy with their lot…..
Gratitude seems contagious and cyclical. If you are happy with what you have then it is contagious. Focusing on the negative gets you nowhere. Middle schoolers complain. They don’t like this, that is not fair, last year it was this way, too much this, not enough that...I could go on and on. I try to teach kids to put life into perspective. Appreciate their lots, at least acknowledge their blessings before complaining. Teaching students with learning challenges this comes into play a lot. They feel the pressures of school more often and the work is not easy. They have to have grit just to get through what is expected of them daily by teachers, friends and parents. It is hard to meet a standard set for everybody when you are NOT just everybody.
We teach students to appreciate their strengths, to look to their positives. Yes, they have challenges with reading, or memory, or abstract thinking, but they are so skilled on the court, their art is their true expressive outlet, or their ability to make people laugh brings joy to all around them. It is my responsibility as a teacher, the one who spends more time with teens than their own parents. I need to model gratitude, to coach gratitude, and point out what students should be grateful for. Because letting those teachable moments go by, will be a waste. We are developing future adults, not just teaching material!
Who is honored? One who honors others….
I am honored to be an influence on the lives of my students. It is my passion and life’s work to help them grow academically and as future career leaders, parents, and Jews. It is an honor to be part of a community. Part of the Kehilah which I do not take for granted. It is a blessing in my life which I know many of my friends do not even know they are missing. Appreciate what you have and your find happiness with your lot!
(Pirkei Avot 4:1, see Chief Rabbi’s green siddur, p.544)
October Blog-a-Month
Am I a connected educator?
NO, but I am a wanna-be. I have always admired people's technological know-how. Their ability to apply new skills, techniques and applications.
What have you done to reach the goal of becoming connected?
This year I have really broadened my scope of connectivity. Making a Weebly blog, Google Classrooms, Simbaloo Resources, Twitter for school PR and professional connectivity have strengthen by connection to the tech world.
What are the challenges?
The challenges are that there are so many areas to grow, innovate, expand, and apply that too much inspiration can be daunting and overwhelming. I am trying to prioritize where to try new skills and where to improve on past techniques.
So am I a connected educator...I'm getting there.
Am I a connected educator?
NO, but I am a wanna-be. I have always admired people's technological know-how. Their ability to apply new skills, techniques and applications.
What have you done to reach the goal of becoming connected?
This year I have really broadened my scope of connectivity. Making a Weebly blog, Google Classrooms, Simbaloo Resources, Twitter for school PR and professional connectivity have strengthen by connection to the tech world.
What are the challenges?
The challenges are that there are so many areas to grow, innovate, expand, and apply that too much inspiration can be daunting and overwhelming. I am trying to prioritize where to try new skills and where to improve on past techniques.
So am I a connected educator...I'm getting there.
September Blog-a-Month Topic:
A new beginning: One thing that is different from a year ago that I am grateful for…
This is a year of professional changes. After being at AJA for 11 years, I decided to branch out to a new school. Being the newbie is an uncommon feeling for me. Perhaps, that goes to show, I need to start more en devours, or perhaps that means, I am deeply dedicated to my interests.
Either way, I took the leap. Am I happy with my choice? Thrilled!
At Davis, I have so many opportunities for growth! I'm learning everything: new technologies, student's names, professional systems, and even where the bathroom is!
Recently I attended an overnight retreat in the Georgia Mountains with the 8th grade. Watching the students and faculty interact with mutual respect and intellectual curiosity was inspiring. Getting to know my co-workers a bit deeper diminished my concern, "would I make friends?" Lastly, seeing 69 8th graders arm in arm as a Kehilah Kidushah proved that I could be a part of this Kehilah too! And I can't wait to begin...
A new beginning: One thing that is different from a year ago that I am grateful for…
This is a year of professional changes. After being at AJA for 11 years, I decided to branch out to a new school. Being the newbie is an uncommon feeling for me. Perhaps, that goes to show, I need to start more en devours, or perhaps that means, I am deeply dedicated to my interests.
Either way, I took the leap. Am I happy with my choice? Thrilled!
At Davis, I have so many opportunities for growth! I'm learning everything: new technologies, student's names, professional systems, and even where the bathroom is!
Recently I attended an overnight retreat in the Georgia Mountains with the 8th grade. Watching the students and faculty interact with mutual respect and intellectual curiosity was inspiring. Getting to know my co-workers a bit deeper diminished my concern, "would I make friends?" Lastly, seeing 69 8th graders arm in arm as a Kehilah Kidushah proved that I could be a part of this Kehilah too! And I can't wait to begin...