Blog Post #1
Just Talk To Me ~ The author states, “We cannot allow average to become our standard. Our kids deserve more than the status quo; they deserve our very best.” Where does average currently exist in your school? Where does average currently exist in your teaching practice? How can you raise the bar? How can you work with others to raise the standard at your school?
In Just Talk to Me, the author’s reminder that “we cannot allow average to become our standard” resonates deeply with me as both an educator and a colleague. When I reflect on where “average” currently exists in my school, I see it most clearly in the routines and structures that haven’t evolved with our students’ changing needs, things like outdated engagement strategies or inconsistent communication systems. These are places where we do enough to get by, but not enough to inspire.
ReplyDeleteIn my own teaching practice, “average” shows up when I rely too heavily on what feels comfortable—lessons I know will go fine, but not necessarily great. It appears on the days when I’m stretched thin and choose predictability over innovation. To raise the bar, I need to be more intentional about pursuing continuous growth: using data more effectively, crafting lessons that spark curiosity, and integrating more collaborative and student-centered learning experiences.
Raising the standard schoolwide means working with colleagues in meaningful ways, not through mandates, but through shared commitment. This might look like co-planning lessons, observing each other’s classrooms, offering honest but supportive feedback, and collectively celebrating wins. When we hold each other accountable with empathy and purpose, we create a culture where excellence becomes the norm rather than the exception.
Ultimately, our students deserve educators who show up with passion, high expectations, and a willingness to evolve. Raising the bar is not a one-time act; it’s a daily choice to bring our best so students can become their best.
Where does average currently exist in your school?
ReplyDeleteAverage exists in many places. The classes where teachers aren't looking to make it better and just keep showing up and punching the clock for many is where average exists. When we feel like we are just hamsters on the wheel... that is average (maybe even below).
Where does average currently exist in your teaching practice?
With me, average exists in lessons that I know are okay and get the basics done but don't inspire. It exists when I am not taking the extra step to connect with kids when I am just not feeling up to it.
How can you raise the bar?
I can recognize where and when its happening and look for ways to do better. It doesn't take a lot to improve and raise the bar. A little can go a long way.
How can you work with others to raise the standard at your school?
I can bring the positivity and share ideas when I have them. When I improve on average lessons, I can share them with my department. I can be the change.
Where does average currently exist in your school?
ReplyDeleteI think average exsists when teachers just "go through the motions". An example of this is when teachers are resistant to learning new teaching techniques, or approaches to their lessons. I also think the mindset of the kids "not wanting to learn or don't care" also feeds into the average atmoshphere of the school.
Where does average currently exist in your teaching practice?
For me I feel average on the days that I rely on lessons that I've previously taught and don't add anything new. When I don't feel excited about the lesson the kids don't like what they are supposed to learn as much. I try to stay away from "worksheets" so I feel that using them too often makes the lesson and classroom climate average.
How can I raise the bar?
Really reflecting on the process and trying to add something new to each lesson. Finding a new approach to the same material also helps. Sometimes that 3am inspiration really takes the lesson in a new direction. I have a lot of flexibility in my subject and I can come up with some really crazy ideas.
How can you work with others to raise the standard at your school?
I think collaboration on new techniques, websites, etc. can really help. I like sharing platforms that I have used. I also think sharing ideas across curriculum is a good way to raise the average standard. I like hearing "we learned that in so and so's class". That helps make the school feel like one unit rather than several disjointed classes.
I feel average exists in complacent teachers who recycle the same information every year with no thought as how to improve. It is comfortable to stay in the same place without moving forward with new and exciting ideas. Raising the bar should be on the minds of all teachers on a regular basis. Collaborating with teams of teachers can help strive for better teaching practices for all.
ReplyDeleteWhere does average currently exist in your school?
ReplyDeleteWhere the average currently exist in our schools is some of rules and procedures. There are some things that we do not have answers for on what would be best practice for a students, but it doesn't work for everyone. We also have individuals who avoid using the new techniques that the district wants us to try and the "older" veteran teachers are not forced to try these as well.
Where does average currently exist in your teaching practice?
I feel like the average currently exist in my teaching practice by not trying new things all the time. I know what has worked in the past and I usually don't change it because I don't always like trying something new that I haven't done before. It creates some stress/anxiety for us to the unknown if it will work or not. I also do not have a planning after I try it, so if its a complete fail, I have to try and hurry to change it. I can adjust pretty easy and cut things out, but I also do not like to scramble either.
How can you raise the bar?
I think I could try to try a new activity each week. This will allow me to see if it works, and if it doesn't it not ruining the whole lesson. It also allows for me to try new things one a time and not get overwhelmed with it. Another thing is just having another option available before class in case the activity is a fail. I can have my original activity ready to go in case I need sometime on the fly.
How can you work with others to raise the standard at your school?
I think having ambassadors available to help those who are not comfortable with trying new things. This allows them to have someone to run ideas by and to help them through it. I think also having like a bank area of activities and how it can be used in each content area. When we learn new things, sometimes it is designed for science or math and it can be hard to translate it to other content areas as well.
Where does average currently exist in your school?
ReplyDeleteI feel like at this time during the school year, it is easy to become average. The beginning of the school year is always exciting, and we come back refreshed from summer break. Many times we come back with new, exciting methods to try this year.
Where does average currently exist in your teaching practice?
It is easy to fall back on old habits. Keeping up with new ideas and practices can feel daunting. I am guilty of teaching things the way I have in the past instead of trying and sticking with new methods.
How can you raise the bar?
I can set a goal for myself to work harder at planning and to be better than average. I will choose fun activities to make learning more fun in my classroom.
How can you work with others to raise the standard at your school?
I work in a small school where we work very well together. I think it could be helpful for us to discuss being better than average as a whole. We are good at sharing new methods we may learn.
Where does average currently exist in your school?
ReplyDeleteI think average exists in the routines or schedules that do not take in to account the needs and development of children. I believe it exists when schedules and times are created by people outside of the classroom and/or school.
Where does average currently exist in your teaching practice?
In my teaching practice average exists in not taking the time to learn the new technology platforms that we utilize for reading and math instruction.
How can you raise the bar?
I could raise the bar by taking the time to learn the technology platforms so that I could use the data to assign lessons and assess areas of struggle and success.
How can you work with others to raise the standard at your school?
We as a team could tackle learning these platforms together and apply the knowledge we gain to help our children successfully learn on these math and reading apps.
I believe average exists in every school on certain days especially when the same lessons are taught day in and day out and from one year to the next. I often wondered how someone taught 5 periods of the same class- back to back without forgetting that they hadn't taught this certain class the same lesson as the other four. I do believe that administrators can fall short when they do this to a teacher or a teacher chooses it because it makes their job easy-- 1 prep.
ReplyDeleteIn my job, I do administer the same test day after day and sometimes more than once per day, which can seem very average and boring, but I get to plan my own schedule so make sure that I work with different ages of students and in different buildings every day. I did feel at one point that I was just going through the motions, but then went back to school for my masters, ordered some new achievement tests, and have kept myself learning and growing- even though I have been in the same position for 20 years. I love to teach others about my work and how to administer, score, and interpret tests and findings and I believe this keeps me fresh and excited about each new day. I believe it is up to each of us to find that excitement and then to bring it into the building every day to share with other co-workers and with the students.
Where does average currently exist in your school?
ReplyDeleteI think average is when routines have replaced reflection. Average could be when teachers are just grading a quick worksheet for completion to give points instead of actually giving meaningful feedback.
Where does average currently exist in your teaching practice?
I think sometimes average just exists when I am going through the motions of completing things. I realize this sometimes when there is a topic that I don't really to care about so I am just doing it because I have to.
How can you raise the bar?
To raise the bar, I can focus on reflecting more that just doing something. What is a way that I can make that lesson I don't like more engaging not only for the students, but for me as well.
How can you work with others to raise the standard at your school?
The biggest way is to have collaboration time with other teachers to discuss what ways all educators can improve. Having those conversations about what we feel we do "Average" on and how to raise that bar to above average for the sack of out students.
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ReplyDeleteAverage in my school can sometimes look like simply meeting curriculum requirements with little relationship building or creativity in how lessons are delivered. While the standards are being met, there are times when learning could be more engaging, meaningful, and connected to students’ interests and experiences.
ReplyDeleteIn my own teaching practice, average might appear when I rely too heavily on routine or familiar strategies instead of trying new approaches that could better support my students’ individual needs. As an Early Childhood Special Education teacher, it is important that I continue to reflect on my teaching and push myself to grow.
I can raise the bar by intentionally building strong relationships with my students and their families, incorporating creative and hands-on learning experiences, and continuing to individualize instruction based on each student’s strengths and needs. I can also seek out new ideas and strategies through professional learning and collaboration.
I can work with others to raise the standard at my school by modeling relationship-building, sharing successful strategies with colleagues, and collaborating with other teachers to create engaging learning experiences for students. By supporting each other and sharing ideas, we can move beyond simply meeting expectations and work toward giving our students the very best learning experiences possible.
Where does average currently exist in your school? Our school can at times feel very "average". Very little communication from admin to teachers, very little communication at times from teacher to teacher. It seems as though sometimes we are all so concerned about meeting our own requirements we forget to step back and see what is best for kids.
ReplyDeleteWhere does average currently exist in your teaching practice? As stated above, we get locked into getting through all our "stuff" that we can forget to evaluate our students and even the material we teach. Sometimes I can feel to busy to try new things in the classroom because you are comfortable just staying status quoe.
How can you raise the bar? I think encouragement from administration to be willing to try different things in your classroom, or emphasize that we want students to be engaged in learning instead of just sitting there. I also think that sometimes financial problems play a role because there may be things you want to try, but there isn't the money for it.
How can you work with others to raise the standard at your school? Be an example. You have to be willing to go out and try new things, and hopefully, your attitude and effort can be contagious.
Where does average currently exist in your school? This is always an interesting time of the year as we are nearing the end of the school year. Average in our school occurs when teachers, administrators, and staff loose sight of the standards and procedures that have made us a strong school all year. It is so important that we work together, encourage, and support each other and our school's mission to give our students a high quality education. Communication is the most important tool that we have to continue to set a high standard.
ReplyDeleteWhere does average currently exist in your teaching practice? In my own teaching, we are in the midst of review for state testing which starts soon. It is easy to let things slide as our daily classroom routines and structure are different. I need to continue to set a high standard of effort and quality work as I would during the first half of the year. This is solely on me as the classroom teacher.
I can raise the bar in my class through continued support of my students and setting goals with them to achieve high academic growth. They all truly care about their growth and it is my job to keep them motivated this time of year. No excuses!
Continuing to work with my fellow coworkers and administrators to show positivity, finishing the year strong, and willingness to work hard until the very last day. Our students deserve this from their teachers.
Where does average currently exist in your school?
ReplyDeleteAverage exist in the "end of the year; get to the finish line" days. I find that that's when teachers and admin are like, "I just don't care anymore" and I have my next year's contract in hand, so let's just get this done. We stop pushing the kids to do their best and our "bag of tricks" have worn out. I usually try to keep specific projects just for these times. They are the more "fun" projects that I know works well and the students get a renewed enthusiasm.
Where does average currently exist in your teaching practice?
Again, it's the end of the year. I'm doing much better. I have noticed over they years that I do enjoy seeing a marked maturing going on by the last few months and that really helps.
How can you raise the bar?
Have those "fun" projects that take up more than a few weeks saved for the end of the year. I have found that the students get a renewed energy and not the bad energy that usually comes at the end of a school year. Usually right after the Easter break.
How can you work with others to raise the standard at your school?
I sense that with our school, the leadership people are very experienced teachers in the past and know how to challenge our newer teachers how to keep the passion for learning going to the end of the year. It's not that we're still not "fried"; but it does help when we're all on the same page and encouraging one another through.
Where does average currently exist in your school?
ReplyDeleteAverage is in our routines and teachers just going through the motions and not improving their classes. I see inconsistent communication between teachers and administrators. I also see teachers getting close to retirement just coasting through the last years of their teaching career.
Where does average currently exist in your teaching practice?
Sometimes I have used previous lessons when I know I could have improved on those lessons. I have also had boring lessons when the kids and myself were not inspired by the lesson.
How can I raise the bar?
I need to try new things. I talk to colleagues and get ideas from them on how to improve my classes. I need to change my attitude and be more positive and passionate about my subject matter.
How can I work with others to raise the standard at your school?
I need to collaborate more with teachers in my department and see what they are doing. I need to be more positive and enthusiastic and I think that will help me be more engaged with my students.
At my school, I would say that average tends to show up in the gaps. Students who aren’t completely failing in academics, social and emotional or their mental health, but also aren’t thriving can be easily missed. As a School Counselor, I feel like in my own practices this can show up as we often have to be reactive to the needs brought to our immediate attention, which are most commonly students who are really struggling or students who are greatly flourishing. Sometimes that looks like being too reactive, when I would love to see our Counseling Team be more preventive. When we have to focus on the immediate needs, it’s sometimes easy to miss opportunities for deeper, more proactive support that helps students grow long term. To raise the bar, I would like to be to be more intentional about prevention and reaching those quieter students who fall in the middle, while working to build relationships through check-ins, not just responding when there’s a problem. I think that those small, consistent efforts could make School Counseling support more meaningful. Working with others is key and I would say that overall our team does a good job of that through communication and collaboration. Having honest conversations, sharing insights, and aligning our support systems can help us move beyond doing enough and toward doing what’s best for every student.
ReplyDeleteJust Talk To Me ~ The author states, “We cannot allow average to become our standard. Our kids deserve more than the status quo; they deserve our very best.” Where does average currently exist in your school? Where does average currently exist in your teaching practice? How can you raise the bar? How can you work with others to raise the standard at your school?
ReplyDeleteAverage currently exist in my school in areas such as doing the same things that one has always done versus working for better. For example, there are teachers in my school that do the same lessons and use the same materials that they always have because it is easier than creating things that are better. In doing so, students are short changed, and doing what is best for kids is lost. Another area where I see average are teachers arriving late, leaving early, failing to update grades, etc. These behaviors can send the message that meeting the minimum expectation is acceptable, when in reality our students deserve much more than that.
Average exists in my teaching practices too. There are times when I rely on familiar methods because I am comfortable with them instead of going outside my comfort zone and try something different. There are also times when I let students get away with minimum effort verses pushing them to work to the fullest potential. In doing things such as this, I am not doing what is best for my students.
I can raise the bar by keeping the focus on what is best for students. I can take advantage of optional professional development courses that my district provides that focus on teaching strategies and methods that are focused on above average. By continuing to learn new approaches and reflecting on my teaching, I can make sure I am not settling for what familiar or convenient.
I can work with others to raise the standard at my school. This can be accomplished by our teaching staff collaborating with one another about what is working in our classrooms to raise expectations for the betterment of the kids we serve.
Average exists in many schools in many areas. I think average exists in that many teachers have been in their positions for extended periods of time and don't look for ways to vary their teaching or activities. The status quo is seen in many content areas. Things change in our society and our world so quickly and those changes need to be taken into account when teachers are preparing lessons and activities. Changes in technology and other resources should be seen as an advantage and a way to enhance lessons, not as extra work.
ReplyDeleteI also think average exists in all levels of education. Some administrators are also conducting business in the same way they have for years. Their expectations for teachers have to change just as teachers do. We have to expect teachers will work to enhance students education and administrators need to expect that from teachers, too. Behavior is another area where "average" can be a concern. At times, you hear people say, "that is kids today" or "that is not how it used to be" when discussing behavior. I think this is a tragedy for our society.
I can work to change this idea by being a good role model for young people at all levels when interacting with them. I can also effect change by continuing to work with schools in any capacity I can. Having high expectations for student behavior is also very important.