What Gets in the Way of  Teaching and Learning

Teaching and learning are the two most important aspects of education. Sometimes, adults will get in the way of teaching and learning.  Recently on a Facebook group, someone asked, “what stresses you out about the field of education?”  Surprisingly, most responded that the adults, not the children caused the most stress. Responses came from classroom teachers, principals, and assistant principals. Many called out their colleagues, principals, parents and district administrators. No one was immune! Unfortunately, the informal survey showed a glimpse that many educators are unhappy campers. Furthermore, they are unhappy with each other.  Many felt that the adults cause too much turmoil and it hinders the educational process. So, what do you do when the adults get in the way of teaching and learning?

Each day teaching and learning is what is supposed to happen in schools. Each building is its own microcosm of people, personalities, systems, etc. Because staff members are human, people and personalities will clash. When clashes happen, as a teacher or administrator you may lose sight of what’s most important. Teaching the students is the most important goal and ensuring their academic success.  Continue reading →

What is Failure?

At some point in life, everyone experiences failure. Yes, failure and hitting the bottom is a part of life. While looking up from the bottom, I’ve learned a few lessons. However, failure means different things to different people.  According to Dictionary.com definitions include:

• Lack of success or proving unsuccessful
• Non-performance of something due, required or expected
• A person or thing that proves unsuccessful

As an educator, what does failure mean to you? Does it mean not meeting a goal? Or does hitting the bottom mean your students not meeting expectations on the state assessments? For me, failure really took me for a loop when was fired from a job that was very important to me. I was totally blindsided and defeated by the loss. I didn’t see it coming and couldn’t understand how or why it happened. After, all I gave the district and students years of loyalty, hard work, and dedicated service. Was this the reward I received for being a good employee? I was devasted! The opportunity to say goodbye to my students, parents, and staff was lost. I needed closure. Then I hit the bottom. In my eyes, I was a failure.

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