Twenty secondary teachers met a few weeks ago to write their
semester one case studies. There were teachers in English, S.S., Science, Math,
Spanish, French, Psychology, First Nations, Art, PE, Counseling, Learning
Assistance. There were teachers in the
first 5 years of their teaching career, and a few in their last 5 years, male
and female. Though they are a divergent
group in many ways, they have some important things in common. They are a group of remarkably committed
professionals, who are willing to try things and share their thinking with
others.
What has
struck me over and over about this group is that they don’t judge each other –
or it seems, themselves. They share
freely both their small steps and their grandiose ideas. They laugh, they tease, they encourage, and
they work. One teacher remarked how
great it was to be able to work “with such progressive minded educators and
share ideas, strategies and plans to engage at-risk learners”.
At our session, along with their case study we asked the teachers to write a
bumper sticker about one or more of the big ideas they gained from doing the
case studies. Here are some of the things they said:
With certain students, extreme circumstances
call for extreme measures.
Peer interaction and support can play an invaluable role in the lives of
vulnerable students
Create
situations where
student’s strengths are showcased
Talking with students about their interests is always appreciated
It is
worth it
even
if you only help one!
Alternate
forms of assessment during tests allows different students to succeed
Change to
habits is a process
Connections with kids = win win!
Connect curriculum to lives
Connect, Connect, Connect
Validate
each student -
let them
know they are worthwhile
Connect and encourage student learning
Physical
Engagement is a starting point
Choose
Choice
Give
choice of hands-on activities to synthesize learning
CARE CONNECTS
posted by Judith
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