Dave Burgess authors a section of Teach Like a PIRATE that deals with the topic of passion in educators. He writes about different ways to find the passion, even when the teacher is not happy with a topic, a standard, or a method. After that, he talks about being with the students and not standing on the sidelines. He demonstrates this by telling about his son's swimming lessons with two teachers. One stood on the sidewalk and hollered instructions to the boy, but the other was in the pool, swimming alongside the youngsters. The latter, he writes, was more effective. |
Well, here's what I say: At some point in your career you have to decide if you care more about teaching to tests or teaching kids. My decision was made a long time ago. I teach kids. Don't let the current overemphasis on standardized test scores lead to the loss of the teachable moment. Having the right structure and using your time in the classroom effectively allows you the flexibility to let "the moment" happen without any sense of guilt. Sometimes we need to just "be" with our students and take the figurative walk through the canyons with them.