Workin’ out

I recently got a humorous forward on my email from my friend and colleague, Brenda.  She knows that I am in a constant battle to stay in shape, and how tough it is to fit workouts into my schedule.  The gist of the forwarded story was that you begin a fitness regimen enthusiastically, and then become more and more resentful of the time and effort that it takes.  The story was funny, but it made me realize something about human nature:  we prioritize the things that are valuable to us.  If you see some quick results from your workouts, you are more likely to continue them.

As I often do, I found a parallel between my workouts and my job.  I expend the most time and effort doing the things that I think are valuable, but I get the most satisfaction when I see results from my efforts. 

From the beginning of this school year, I have had the opportunity to work with some wonderful, dedicated teachers, who have invited me into their classrooms.  These teachers have included brand-spanking new teachers just out of college, who are looking for a focus for all their enthusiasm; long-term subs who have the tough job of teaching out-of field; and seasoned teachers who are constantly on the lookout for ways to reinvigorate their already good teaching practices.

I have been so impressed with these people.  They are certainly NOT status-quo types, but are excited and motivated by the very process of teaching.  They are working to build up their “teaching muscles” , and are very much aware of the old adage, “use it or lose it!”

Educators take so much flak in today’s society–some of it deserved, some not–but I am here to say that there are still many teachers out there who are working hard to stay educationally fit.  I know, because I am working alongside many of them.

The good news is that, ultimately, our students are the ones who benefit.

Lesson Planning

Teachers have a love/hate relationship with lesson planning.  We all know that you cannot go into a class of 30 students without knowing how you are going to present your subject matter, so lesson plans are an absolute necessity.

Interestingly enough, however, the longer a person teaches, the less he or she seems to want to do formal lesson plans.  This is partly because after teaching the same material for several years, lesson planning becomes second nature, and many teachers feel as if they are writing lesson plans as an accountability piece for an administrator, or as fail-safe plan for a substitute in the event of an unexpected absence. 

If you have read my profile, you noticed that I left teaching for several years to work in another field.  Even during that time, I would sometimes substitute teach evening classes, and I began to notice something odd about myself–I sorta got a kick out of lesson planning when it was not mandatory.

When I returned to teaching, I gave some real thought to what it was that made the difference in my attitude toward what some teachers consider the most tedious part of teaching. After some self-evaluation, I came to the conclusion that I have a very short attention-span, and I pretty quickly get bored with repetition.  When I was not teaching as my main occupation, figuring out cool ways to present lesson material was a diversion, and not so much of a chore.

This led me to my next epiphany:  If repetitive lesson presentation became boring to ME, could I be communicating that to my students?? 

It is no secret to any educator that the most important part of a good unit is the planning.  But in education, as in any other 21st Century profession, same-old/same-old is no longer acceptable.  It is really disturbing to think that kids today are surrounded by constant visual, auditory, and even emotional stimulation, but see the classroom as a place to “power down.” 

Our county’s Instructional Coaches have been undergoing intensive training to become familiar with the vast amount of resource material available to teachers today.  The wealth of information out there for lesson planning alone is mind-boggling, but it is also encouraging  because it is so readily accessible to anyone who knows how to Google!

Creative teachers are constatnly seeking sources of inspiration for effective lessons and units, to the great benefit of our children.  However, wise teachers also know that there is no need to “re-invent the wheel.” 

Making use of online resources, professional development, and instructional coaching can make lesson planning much less of a burden, and maybe, just maybe–veteran teachers will regain that creative edge that  makes teaching a truly satisfying job. 

For information on creative lesson planning, or for suggestions/instruction on resources available to teachers In Cabell County, please comment on this blog and one of our county’s Instructional Coaches will contact you ASAP.