How Well Are You Modeling What You Expect?

As teachers, we are usually proud to say we are lifelong learners, but is that a true statement? Life-long learners means that we are constantly trying new things and learning better ways and constantly learning, but I do not think this is the case for most teachers. As educators, it is important that we “appear” to be constantly learning and encouraging others to learn. Afterall, we are educators. All it takes is a walk down the hallway to see that teachers are not as into learning as one would think. Classrooms look a lot like they did when I was in school (which has been a while back). There’s still rows of desks and writing all over the dry erase boards. Papers are stacked on a shelf in the front of the rooms so students can grab one as they walk through the door. All of this is despite the fact that we are a 1:1 school with laptops.  If educators are lifelong learners, why are things still being done the same way year after year, decade after decade? How can we promote lifelong learning in our classrooms if we refuse to be lifelong learners?

New Year's Resolution: Facing the Fear of Innovation

Let’s face it.  We all come face to face with the our shortcomings around this time each year.  The prospect of a new year fills each of us with thoughts about how we can improve ourselves in one way or another.  For many, this will include joining a gym or finally making the commitment to eat healthy.  As educators, I would like to suggest that this is a great time to take stock of ourselves as teachers and learners.  Ask yourself some hard questions.  For those of us who take seriously our profession, we know that to get comfortable in our classroom and our preparation--to keep using the same old lesson plans and same old activities--is a sign of regression.  With new year resolutions in mind, I want to take a moment to suggest that this be the year you overcome your fear of technology in order to make teaching 21st century skills a priority in your classroom.