How have I changed as an educator since I first started? Let me count the ways.
- Confidence – I used to be so unsure of myself that I wouldn’t even speak up at a staff meeting. Now I lead meetings and present workshops. I also became more confident in the classroom. When I think back to my first year of teaching, I am amazed that I survived.
- Knowledge – Part of the reason for my increase in confidence is that I have never stopped learning how to become a better teacher. Twenty-eight years of experience, workshops, graduate classes, learning from colleagues, learning from lessons that failed, learning from students, etc. Every day is a learning experience.
- Practice – The way I teach has changed over the years. I now use technology every day in my classroom. I use tools that did not exist when I began teaching. I incorporate new methods and ideas into my lessons.
- Being Connected – All of the above is also the result of connecting with other educators. In the last year, I have broadened my PLN through Twitter and blogging. A year ago, I was just starting my first blog. Now I have two blogs, and this is Post #100 on this blog!
Despite the changes, many things have not changed. I have always tried to run a student-centered classroom. I have always believed that student choice is important, and look for ways to add it to the curriculum.
My blog is titled teach.change because I believe that teachers should learn every day and make appropriate changes in their practice based on their experience. When people ask me if I get tired of teaching the same thing every year, I always tell them it’s never the same. I do not follow a script in my teaching. I change every day.
October 12, 2014 @ 19:25
Can I put include this in my blog- noting you as a guest editor- your work is inspiring!
Laura
October 13, 2014 @ 00:31
Absolutely! I would be honored. Thanks for reading.