Warning-This post rambles a bit, but I think it is worth hanging in there!
I’m just going to say it–popular or not–Good teachers go with the flow. Great teachers embrace it.
We all need to fight for what is best for our students. That’s a given.
But sometimes we need to leave the hand-to-hand combat to those who are have the energy & time.
Hear me out on this one:
My number one job is to be the best teacher I can be in my classroom. I have to. It is sometimes all I can do to focus on the unique needs of my students in six classes. Sometimes I just need to put all of my thought and energy into that. When that happens, I do make sure to support those who are out there fighting the fight for all of us. Often the are fighting full time, work in a different kind of school, or have more energy that me! It is ok. I’m not hard on myself about it. I’m embracing it and doing what I do best–being there for my kids!
On that note…
The Common Core is coming. It is already in place for many of us. I’m not fighting it. I’m going with it. There are great things about it & there are things that need some work. But, it is happening either way. Personally, I’m encouraged by the great amount of resources out there to support the Common Core.
The bottom line is this: Good teachers do what is best for their kids. Great teachers always find a way to be what our kids need!
Here are a few great Common Core resources:
This article from edutopia by Heather Wolpert-Gawron is awesome! Common Core + Ted Talks = My idea of a great lesson!
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/common-core-lesson-plans-speeches-heather-wolpert-gawron
The Kentucky DOE has been busy publishing tons of Common Core info. This list of Literacy Strategies (complete with many Word & pdf printouts, is great. Check out this link then explore the rest of the sight! So much of the work has already been done-why not use it!
http://www.education.ky.gov/KDE/Instructional+Resources/Literacy/Literacy+Strategies+Glossary.htm
So, are you a fighter or a supporter? Either way, we’ve got to make our kids the #1 priority!
If you are fighting, thank you! If you are supporting those that fight, thank you! If you are just an observer, jump in!
literacyeverywhere 