The ABC's High School Teachers Really Need to Know

The future happens each and every day.  What we invest in our students (and ourselves) on a daily basis helps develop what tomorrow will look like.  Each day absolutely matters.  That shouldn't be a burden, but instead an opportunity.  Make the most of it!

There is a barrage of tools and talking heads ready to evaluate us, observe us, and tell us we aren't good enough.  Don't get lost or overwhelmed by all the noise.  Instead, live by the "Golden Rules" of teaching and learn to self-evaluate.  When you do those things, you actually generate a meaningful measure of effectiveness.  

Effective teachers know that delivering on your promises to students, parents, teachers, and administrators is key to a successful career in education.  The actions that we take and the words that we say make all the difference in the world, particularly to those we want to impact most - our students.  

Effective teachers know that there are common elements in every powerful lesson.  In this episode, we will talk about them.  Also, we will discuss example lessons that illustrate and utilize these elements.  

Please take the time to listen to this week's episode.  Do it for YOU!  Effective teachers know that learning to bandage our wounds will lead to both better student outcomes and increased professional longevity.  Letting things go, establishing a healthy perspective, and focusing on the victories will move the needle for you, your career, and your effectiveness.  

If you had to sum up your impact in the classroom in one sentence, what would it say?  How similar would it be to the sentence your kids would write?  Effective teachers strive to make a positive difference.  They also realize that being remembered for that impact is far more important than being remembered as a person.  

Living in the past, no matter how great it may be, can lead to emotional drag for you and unfair comparisons and contrasts for your students.  Effective teachers realize the importance of being fully present for their students and coworkers.  They also know that putting good memories where they belong and turning the page on the negative are critical keys to finding longevity and peace in our profession.  

As an educator, if you aren't venturing into the unknown, you are reducing your effectiveness as a classroom manager, content leader, and professional colleague.  Don't grow or change for the sake of growing and changing.  Instead, venture into the unknown to add to your toolbox.  Those new tools can impact lives in such an incredible way - including your own.  

Educators have to balance a seemingly endless number of tasks and responsibilities.  This can lead to stress, anxiety, fatigue, burnout, and a lack of focus.  However, effective teachers know the importance of eliminating clutter and zeroing in on what's important - our students and learning objectives.  Clear your path and remind yourself to "make the main thing the main thing."  

In this episode, we will talk about ten things that can help reduce or eliminate misery in your classroom.  From mindless structure and obsessive bathroom policies to overreactions to gum chewing and more, we will discuss it.  It's amazing how being mindful of a few things can transform a below-average classroom to an effective one.  

Let's keep it simple.  Both philosophically and practically, the substitute shortage shouldn't be your burden.  Educators can advocate for their kids and themselves at the same time.  Stop going to work sick.  Stop missing family milestones.  Stop helping administrators, schools, or districts take advantage of you.  

Quibbling with parents in emails, parent conferences, or anywhere else is usually a waste of time.  Effective teachers know that empathy, clear expectations, and emotional intelligence are key.  This week's episode will give you plenty of strategies and reminders to help you rise above the quibbling and focus on helping your students.  

Effective teachers know they have to offer different pieces of the "pie" to truly connect with the diversity of students in the classroom.  In addition to offering countless ways to learn and show skills and progress, allowing them to "nibble" on different pieces improves the student experience.  So, what makes up your pie?  How big are the pieces?  Is it time to offer more or remake others?