Blog Post #7
Carry The Banner: In this chapter, the author begins, “I have had the opportunity to observe hundreds of teachers in my career. By watching others, I’ve learned that the best teachers…” and he goes on to list several traits of successful teachers. Identify the two traits from this list that you do best. Give examples of how these traits look in your classroom.
Identify two more traits from this list for which you could do better. Describe how these traits will look in your classroom as you incorporate them.
When reflecting on the traits of highly successful teachers, the two I believe I do best are building strong relationships and creating an engaging, welcoming classroom environment. My students know that I genuinely care about them, and I show this through daily check-ins, personalized feedback, and celebrating their progress both academically and personally. I also work hard to make learning feel meaningful and fun, using interactive math tools, movement, and student voice to keep them actively involved. Two traits I know I can continue to strengthen are setting clear, measurable goals for students and maintaining consistent follow-through. As I incorporate these into my practice, my classroom will include co-created learning goals, regular goal check-ins, and visual trackers so students can see their growth. I will also be more intentional about revisiting expectations and ensuring I follow through on commitments so students experience stability, trust, and accountability. Strengthening these traits will help me better “carry the banner” for my students and create an environment where every learner feels supported and capable.
ReplyDeleteOne of my best traits would be that I'm flexible and make adjustments based on student feedback. If I see we need more practice on something, I slow things down and make changes on the fly instead of plowing through to stay on schedule. It's more important to me that students truly understand the content than staying on schedule. My other 'best' trait would be that I'm empathetic. I try to put myself in my students' shoes constantly by imagining my lessons/assignments from their perspective. I try to be considerate about the other things that are going on in their lives. I do my best to avoid giving homework, and I try to keep my lessons fun and engaging. I know that each students has plenty going on in their lives besides language arts class. I try to make my time with them as enjoyable and productive as possible.
ReplyDeleteOne of the traits I could do better on would be modeling risk-taking and encouraging them to do the same. I like to plan and avoid chaos and confusion. Taking risks makes me nervous, but I know it would be good for me. I know I could take a different, more unique approach to some of my lessons. They might flop or they might succeed; that would be a risk I could take. The other trait I could do better on would be to understand that the kids who frustrate me the most are ones who need me the most. Teaching junior high, there were some students who really challenged me. The last thing I wanted to do was seek out more interaction with them. However, I know there is truth to this approach, and I'd be open to putting forth more effort to improve my relationship with 'difficult' students and show them that I genuinely care and want to help them succeed.
2 Traits That I do Well:
ReplyDelete1) I am extremely passionate: I have always known that positivity, like negativity, is infectious. I know that if I show that I love what I do, that will spread. If I'm not passionate about what I am doing, how can my students be passionate. It starts with me. I love to great students at the door and celebrate their successes publicly with them.
2) I model a love for learning: I talk about my recent discoveries with my students. I try to mention the books that I am reading or that I have read that relate. It shows that continual growth is important and desired! I especially talk about the books that they are reading in ELA classes as I intentionally read them to show camaraderie.
2 Traits That I Could Do Better:
1) Teach kids, not content: I recognize I can do this better. I get caught up, at times, in getting the curriculum done. Sometimes, this feels necessary, but if you stop and think, when we do this we aren't actually teaching, we are talking. Teachings kids, not content is much more effective and worth our time. I will pay better attention to what students are getting and what they are struggling with. I will slow down and reteach as necessary.
2) Try not to bottle kids up: This is a tough one. I try to find a balance with students. I want to know how they are feeling and what their struggles are, but if you are not really ready for the answer it can be terrifying, sad or just troubling in general. It is easier to just keep students bottled up but that doesn't make it the best strategy. I will listen to my students and build even stronger relationships.
Two traits I incorporate are being a champion for all students and advocate for all students especially those who struggle to be their own advocates. In my classroom I spend 2 minutes a day for ten days talking to my most disengaged kids about anything except school. The second thig I do is expect excellence from all my students through academics, attitude and effort. I do not settle for average and do not allow that to be the standard. I frame feedback with high expectations and use encouragement.
ReplyDeleteI could work on remaining positive in the face of adversity by not venting to other staff members. I also want to be a merchant of hope on my journey as a teacher. I want to become a transformational leader.
Carry The Banner: In this chapter, the author begins, “I have had the opportunity to observe hundreds of teachers in my career. By watching others, I’ve learned that the best teachers…” and he goes on to list several traits of successful teachers. Identify the two traits from this list that you do best. Give examples of how these traits look in your classroom.
ReplyDeleteIdentify two more traits from this list for which you could do better. Describe how these traits will look in your classroom as you incorporate them.
One of the traits that I feel that I incorporate well is valuing personal trust and developing trusting relationships. I strive to make my classroom a safe place for all students. I think working toward building relationships with students is key to making them interested in my class. I've stated this before, but I have the advantage of having students for several years. Sometimes from 5th grade through high school. That allows us to build a lot of trust with each other. We have a lot of memories that we can draw on and "remember this is what we did last year" etc.
Another trait I really enjoy as a teacher is remembering that learning goes both ways. I love it when students teach me about a song or artist they like, or teach me things from other classes that they are in. I tell my students that a day you don't learn something new is a day wasted. I will call out a new fact that I learned so they can see that I enjoy learning something new.
One trait that I would like to work on in the following months is to find my passion for teaching again. I am close to retirement and somedays just getting through the day is my goal. I want my students to see that I do like teaching and I am passionate about what I want them to learn. Having a student learn a passage on their instrument that they couldn't get before helps!
Another trait is not bottling students up. I feel I do a pretty good job of not doing that, but I struggle with this in my performance classes. For the performance to be effective the students have to work together and be one group. I need to work on ways to let the individuals come through and by doing that it will make their performance better.
Identify the two traits from this list that you do best. Give examples of how these traits look in your classroom.
ReplyDeleteIdentify two more traits from this list for which you could do better. Describe how these traits will look in your classroom as you incorporate them.
Recognize learning goes both ways: With my students, I do not act like I know everything. If a student asks me a questions and I don't know the answer, I will tell them I don't know. I use this opportunity to go look up the answer to the question and let them know that even though I do not known, I am going to do some research to be able to answer the question for both of us.
Try to instill a sense of confidence in all students: I enjoy seeing my students succeed, especially those who don't think they can. When I help students through a problem they are stuck on, I ask them questions to help them get to the answer. When they get to the answer they were looking for, I like to tell them that they knew the answer all along, but they just didn't know that it was the "right" answer. It helps students be more confident in their decision making and mentally. They start believing they know what they are doing, because you believe in them.
Believe all kids good: I would say 9/10 times that I do believe all kids are good, but sometimes you hear the struggles some of your colleagues talk about these students and the behaviors that have taken place with these student(s). I try my best to go into it with an open mind and there are times where the student works so well with them and I don't see the issues other teachers had and there are others that I couldn't have an impact on their behavior.
Try to catch students doing things right: I feel like this is an area that I can improve in. The students who are doing the right things are not the ones who are getting praised or the attention, it's the students who are doing the opposite. This is part of creating those meaningful relationships and acknowledging the students who are always doing the right things, and do it because they know that it is what they are just supposed to do.
Identify the two traits from this list that you do best. Give examples of how these traits look in your classroom:
ReplyDelete1. I feel I "strive to be the best for my students". This is not always a simple task. I have always believed that for some students, school is the best part of their day. It is their safe place. I have worked hard to not let personal problems or rough mornings at home cross over into my school day. I know that none of those things are my students' fault, so I truly try to be the same caring teacher every single day.
2. I also work to "have an appreciation for the hard work of co-teachers and leaders". I am blessed to work with the best. From our administration to my co-teachers, to our paraprofessionals, I do believe we make a great team. So many people in our building wear several hats. I try to be sure to thank others for all they do as often as I can.
Identify two more traits from this list for which you could do better. Describe how these traits will look in your classroom as you incorporate them:
1. First, I want to "accept that teaching is a calling - a mission". After so many years in this profession, I do feel like it is easier to feel a little burnt out from time to time. Also, this time of the school year can feel tough. It's cold and dark outside. Some days we can't get outside because of the below zero temperatures. All of this could be summed up as Spring Fever I would say. It's refreshing to read these kinds of books because they are a great reminder of why I went into education in the first place. I definitely felt the calling at a very young age to become a teacher, and I truly do love my job.
2. Another area I need to work on is "model risk-taking and encourage my students to do the same". I want to show my students that I am not afraid to step outside my comfort zone. My students are brave every day and dive head first into learning new concepts. One way I think I can do this is to do a less structured lesson sometime soon. I am more comfortable with fairly structured lessons, but my students definitely love more hands-on learning.
Traits I do best: collaborate with others and acknowledge student behavior. In my classroom, collaboration looks like working closely with the general education teacher, OT, PT, psychologist, counselor, SLP, and parents to support students and create positive outcomes. Acknowledging student behavior looks like validating feelings, teaching alternative strategies for handling emotions, and discussing how to respond differently next time.
ReplyDeleteTwo traits I could improve: representing my school on social media and engaging with the community. Incorporating these would look like sharing student successes, classroom activities, and learning highlights online, as well as attending or hosting community events to show the school’s presence and involvement.
I believe my two best traits from that list include: trying to instill a sense of confidence in all students and I sincerely believe all kids are good. I have the wonderful opportunity to work with students one-on-one with standardized testing and prior to testing, I always take time to talk with students about interests, plans (future or weekend or day - depending on age), activities/interests outside of and in school, etc. I also like to visit about classes and subjects and what is easy and hard, best and worst, likes and dislikes. When introducing the testing, I also talk about strengths and weaknesses and tough and easier items and assure them to do their best and not to stress over a question or problem, because I want them to keep an open mind and be able to do their best. We also discuss issues that may be happening in the classroom or elsewhere in the school and brainstorm possible better ways to deal with/solve those problems.
ReplyDeleteThe two areas from the list that I could do better, include: catching students doing things right and seeing students as partners. I am my own entity, therefore, I am not in tune to the classrooms and what is going on. I could be better about giving compliments to students in the hallways and other parts of the school. I also, do not always see the students as partners as once testing begins, I am reading from a script and am not allowed to deviate. This is sometimes frustrating for students who want feedback on their work and others understand that I can only say what is scripted and before me.
I believe my best two traits are I teach kids and not content and try to instill a set of confidence in all students. I have learned that With teaching kids, I am always trying to relate the material to their life now and how it affects them. With teaching history, we compare and contrast life then versus today and I am a very hands on room where kids are always collaborating instead of just reading and answering questions. I think when you teach kids at their level, they learn the content a lot easier without even realizing they are learning. With confidence, I am always giving kids chances to do better. Sometimes they get annoyed, but I am a keep going kind of person with their answers until they get the answer I am looking for. Then I feel they are more willing to step out of their comfort zone if they know they can make mistakes and get another change.
ReplyDeleteTwo things I need to work on are having appreciation for co workers and trying to recognize and acknowledge each student everyday. I do appreciate my co workers, but know that I do not say it everyday so one way to fix that is to make a mental note to even send an email to just say thank you for something they did for me or the students. Recognizing and acknowledging the work of students each day is hard when you have 25-30 kids in a class, but I will try with something as simple as, "I noticed what you did there and that was awesome." Something to just make them feel a little better about themselves.
I think my best traits are:
ReplyDelete1–building strong relationships. I work on this everyday and working on their trust is a very high priority for me because if that don’t trust me, I have a hard time building that relationship and I know it takes time to build that trust but once I have it, kids will tell me what is going on in their lives and how I can help. I have has numerous kids call me after they graduate for advice on issues that they are dealing with.
2–I am extremely passionate about my job. I have never complained about having to go to work. I always tell my colleagues that I get to go to school today and have never had 2 days the same which is why I am excited to go to school everyday.
Two areas that I could do better are:
1–model risk taking. I like to have everything ready to go in my class and know that I am not going to take any unnecessary risks but I need to take some risks and if I fail, I think it shows the kids that it is ok to fail and we learn from our mistakes and get better. And don’t make the same mistakes over and over again.
2–teach kids and not content. I get caught up with meeting the standards and teaching towards the test. I need to work on teaching outside the box when the students ask me a question that I am not prepared for and be willing to discuss this in the class. I tell kids that I don’t have all the answers and if there is a question I can’t answer, we will find the answer together.
We have so many great teachers in our building. I wish I had more time to go in and observe other classrooms as I know we have teachers that I could learn and grow from. The author's list of traits sure is a great one. I would say that a trait that I consider a strength of mine would be: value personal and trusting relationships. I like to take on the challenge of the "tough" student. I know that if I can find a way to form a trusting relationship with them, I will be able to get them to work hard in the classroom and see the potential in themselves. This takes a lot of patience as it takes months to form some of these relationships. I make sure all students have a fresh start every time they walk in the door. I always check in with them to make sure they feel valued other than just being a math student. I will flat out tell them that I am not giving up on them and their potential.
ReplyDeleteAnother quality component is the importance of being flexible and make adjustments based on student feedback. I feel like I am constantly evaluating myself and I ask the students for help with that. After units, the students fill out a google form letting me know what they liked, didn't like, and if they have suggestions. I feel it is important for them to also see that I am not perfect and that I am looking for ways to learn and grow.
An area that I need to improve on is: focus on what kids are doing and not what they aren't doing. Sometimes I get wrapped up in the few negative behaviors of students in class and need to remember that 98% of the students are doing things well. I need to figure out a plan of action for the few and recognize the good of the rest. Another area of improvement needs to be: teach kids, not content. I just keep going back to this at this point of the year. With testing starting, I can't loose sight of what is truly important: the kids!! I know they have learned and shown me so muh growth this year. Their testing might not show as much as I would like it so I need to make sure they know and their families that the year has been successful.
Identify the two traits from this list that you do best. Give examples of how these traits look in your classroom.
ReplyDeleteIdentify two more traits from this list for which you could do better. Describe how these traits will look in your classroom as you incorporate them.
2 Strengths:
Value personal and trusting relationships: Relationships is the key to everything. My students know that I love them and I know that they love me. First you have to establish respect both ways. The relationship is evident with the hugs, words, and love exchanged between myself and the kids and vice versa. They also know I have high expectations for them and when a child knows that you truly care about them they will work hard for you. When a child trusts that what you are teaching them truly is for their benefit they will want to learn it. I also make sure to make mistakes as well as I just make mistakes so they understand that I am also continuously learning and they have so much to teach me as well. My kids work so hard and this is evident in the growth they make and how they treat myself, each other and people in the building.
Model a Love for Learning: It is so important to be excited about the content I am teaching. If I lead with excitement and enthusiasm they will also respond with excitement and enthusiasm. When learning is fun, optimal learning takes place. In kindergarten especially they respond to your attitude and demeanor. If you are acting bored with it they will be bored with it. However, if you make it seem like the most amazing important thing they will respond in kind. We have fun learning every day. This is evident in the excitement they have to see me when they walk in room at the beginning of the day and I have the same excitement to see them.
2 to work on:
Create unique experiences: I believe I do this with our relationships and community and culture. However, I do not always do this with curriculum. Our day is very busy and we have all of our time alloted to curriculum. I am very appreciate of all the curriculum given to us as I would not want to have to create those things myself. However, it would be nice to have a little time set aside in the schedule for those more unique learning opportunities that could even be extensions off the curriculum. This is something I will have to try to be better about. I could try to wrap lessons up quicker and look for fun ideas online to extend on the learning taking place.
Have an appreciation of the hard work of co-teachers and leaders: I appreciate the hard work of my colleagues and leaders. I do express this at times of collaboration, meetings or when a good idea or observation is seen. However, I think we could all use daily encouragement from each other to remind us all that we are in this together. Just little things that I observe, take time to let the person know. If I see something, take time to say something. I could make someone's whole day! It's the little things: a quick text, email or note left in their mailbox.
Two traits I feel I do well are building strong relationships and modeling a love for learning. In my role, relationships are central. I believe students and staff alike are more when they feel seen and valued. Valuing consistent check-ins, positive connections, and creating a safe space for honest conversations are all things I can do. I model a love for learning by continuing my own professional growth through reading, trainings, and sharing new ideas with students and staff. I want students to see that learning is lifelong.
ReplyDeleteOne area I feel that I can improve is modeling risk taking and encouraging students to do the same and creating opportunities for students to step outside of their comfort zones in a supported way. I want to be more intentional about showing students what healthy risk-taking looks like, including sharing my own experiences of trying new things that did not always go perfectly but still led to growth. The other is by continuing to set clear, measurable goals and maintaining consistent follow-through. For me, this means helping students leave conversations with specific next steps and checking back in to support accountability. When follow-through is consistent, it builds trust and turns conversations into real progress.
Identify the two traits from this list that you do best.
ReplyDelete1. Aim to figure out what is goin on with each student so as to better understand them and their thinking.
2. Stay active in the classroom.
Give examples of how these traits look in your classroom.
1. I often see students "not there" and I "interrogate" those students to find out what can be done for them. Just last week I put a student in my office with the lights out while I taught the class. They needed time out.
2. I loath sitting at my desk; I have to be up and walking around as a computer teacher I am constantly trouble shooting anyway. I get 8K-10K during a school day easily :)
Identify two more traits from this list for which you could do better.
1. Try to learn something from a student every day
2. Try to instill a sense of confidence in all students
Describe how these traits will look in your classroom as you incorporate them.
1. I don't do this every day so that's where I'm deciding to find those students to learn from
2. To do ALL students is difficult but not impossible. Afterall, I have 200+ students each day. That's a lot of instilling.
Carry The Banner: In this chapter, the author begins, “I have had the opportunity to observe hundreds of teachers in my career. By watching others, I’ve learned that the best teachers…” and he goes on to list several traits of successful teachers. Identify the two traits from this list that you do best. Give examples of how these traits look in your classroom.
ReplyDeleteIdentify two more traits from this list for which you could do better. Describe how these traits will look in your classroom as you incorporate them.
Two traits of successful teachers that I do best are building strong relationships and focusing on solutions.
Building strong relationships with my students has allowed me to create a positive classroom environments where students feel safe, respected, and supported. They know I genuinely care about them which encourages them to take risks and engage. I am also able to correct their work and behaviors without them seeing it as punishment and correction. Instead they see it as support which leads to learning and better behaviors. One way that this shows up in my classroom is greeting students by name and taking time to check in with them.
I also focus on solutions rather than problems. It does not do any good to find blame when finding ways to improve or change brings about a solutions. For example, when a student is not doing well, I problem solve ways I can help the students. It is my hope that students will learn from a solution-focused approach to problems.
Two traits of successful teachers that I could do better are focusing on teaching kids rather than simply teaching content and modeling risk-taking.
I need to find a balance between teaching kids and teaching content. Academic standards and goals are important but it is just as important to be intentional about adjusting lessons to best meet the needs of all my students. In the classroom this could be me slowing down when I see students struggling or acknowledging the social emotional needs of my students. By placing more emphasis on what the students need rather than on academic standards and goal scheduled for the day, the learner is the focus which is more meaningful. Teaching kids first ensures content is delivered in a way that supports each unique student and the classroom as a whole. Specifically, this trait will be me becoming more flexible and responsive to the needs of my students. I will take more time to check-in and identify when students need extra support.
I also need to improve on is modeling risk-taking. Like many, taking risks makes me uncomfortable as I do not want to fail. It is easier to do what I have always done verses trying different teaching strategies. I need to step outside of my comfort zone and try new teaching strategies or lesson knowing I may make mistakes or fail. I know making mistakes is an opportunity to reflect with my students that when something does not go as planned it is an opportunity to highlight the fact that learning is a process and we learn from mistakes. My hope is that when students see me take risks they will be encouraged to do the same. In my classroom this will include me being open about trying new strategies and the success and failures of my learning with my students.
One of the traits of successful teachers that I feel I do best is finding connections with students by showing them I care. I do this by knowing them well and then having conversations with them about things that are personally important to them. This can include sports, activities, family things or people, hobbies, or things that are difficult. I think I am also good at realizing that those students who frustrate me the most are the ones that need the most from me. This is especially important to me as a special education teacher. Each day is a new beginning when you work with students with challenging behaviors. I have to be able to start each day as a new day and not hold things from the day before in my mind-unless I hold it to be able to give a compliment about how much better today is than yesterday.
ReplyDeleteThere are also some things that I could certainly have done better. I am not a risk taker by nature, so it is difficult for me to encourage students to take risks. Often, when a student was an appropriate risk taker, I would tell them I was envious of them because they are better at risk taking than I am. Another area I could certainly improve on was creating unique experiences. This ties in with my lack of risk taking. I am also not creative. I was uncomfortable with taking risks to create unique experiences. I would worry about the success or more likely the failure of the activity or experience.
My overall hope is that I demonstrated more of the traits on the list than I did not for most of my career in education.