Reflection #4- Ed Tech Blogs

     Most of us fear the unknown; however, we realize the importance of walking through, conquering, and growing in the process. As we step from the “old way of doing business” into the 21^st century, we must recognize the evolving process of communication and be willing to allow change.  When I put my principal hat on I often silently pray that I will never cease to see things around me through the eyes of a teacher; therefore, I was elated that one of the educational blogs was titled, “The 21^st Century Principal.” Learning to blog has been an enlightening experience for me and it has helped me overcome my fear of the unknown. 

 

   Having a teacher’s heart, even though I wear the badge of a principal, is something I pray to leave as my legacy. Interestingly enough, the article that caught my eye was written by a principal who sees that teachers impact their students in ways that reach beyond academics. In the article,” Teachers Impact Student’s Lives in Immeasurable Ways” (July 17, 2016) Eisner calls a teacher a “midwife of the child’s creative nature.” The picture of a midwife is a perfect one because they assist in the birth, come alongside the mother, listen to her heart’s cry, and they guide them through the tough times.  An elementary teacher listens to the stories of their students, inspires them to devise ways to handle life’s circumstances, and guides them to find their own solution to the problems that arise.  When I evaluate a teacher, I look for the teacher who is concerned about her student’s academic performance, but even more so, one who has the ability to never lose sight of the importance of character.  I often tell the teachers without reaching a child’s character; you will never be able to reach them academically.  The character of a student often determines their ability to grasp foundational concepts.

 

   My sixth grade teacher instilled in me the importance of loving to read, and to this day I grasp the importance of reading and how it affects everything.  It is the foundation to learning- it is necessary.  Mrs. Books ignited within me a curiosity to learn and a love for learning that could never be measured by a test.  Academics and student learning outcomes are very important, but I would rather concentrate on a teacher who sees the learning process as a treasured gift and has the willingness to walk with a student, who may not have the highest score, but they have the character to persevere through the journey of learning. In the article, “The Arts and Creation of the Mind,” Elliot Eisner states, “The effects of teaching may not show up until long after student’s leave school and in ways the teacher never dreamed of.” (2016).
  

   Recognizing the importance of the teacher through positive communication from administration is another responsibility that falls on the shoulders of a principal.  Another website, Edudemic.com showcases an article titled, “How Can We Keep Teachers in the Classroom?”  In years gone by, a study was done by the Department of Education determining that 50% of new teachers leave within five years; however, a new study denotes that 17% of teachers leave before five years.  Teachers seem to be staying due to higher pay and mentor- ship programs in some states. According to the Alliance for Excellence, teacher attrition costs the U.S. up to $2.2 billion annually.  To me, this is a sad state of affairs.  Being an effective principal means pouring out your bone marrow to serve those under your care.  The qualities of a servant leader are humility and a professional will to continue learning no matter what title you hold.  A teacher who leaves their profession due to a lack of support from administration is a hard fact to swallow.  Too often it is the mandated curriculum, lack of support from administration, and no ear given to a teacher’s opinion in the decisions at hand, that determine whether a teacher stays where they are called.    This principal believes in supporting and serving those around you.  We are not miracle workers; however, the human element and the relationships that formulate a school community should be of utmost importance in the eyes of those “who sit up in the tower.”
 

   I consider it a privilege to work with many of the educators I do at Immanuel Christian School.  Just being in the classroom brings a smile to my face.  Every teacher at ICS has a procedure in place for the start of the morning.  When I was perusing the website, Edutopia.com, I found an article titled, “Ring Their Bells: A New Way to Deliver Bell Work.”  From the very first moment, after being greeted at the door with a hug or handshake by their teacher, a child knows that their brain is going to be engaged in the learning process.  The article brought up the importance of a having a safety net in place as the children enter the classroom.  I see this as a “catch and release” model.  You catch the child’s interest immediately and hopefully hold it until you release them at the end of the day.   Also, a teacher never knows how the student began their day, so releasing their emotions with a willingness to learn no matter what, helps engage them.  This is the purpose of a “bell ringer” or a “do now.”
 

   Two examples of excellent bell ringers that are in place at ICS are in 5^th grade and 2^nd grade.  In 5^th grade, the teacher has a “Ted Talks” three days a week, where the students listen and then a designated student turns off the video before the finish.  The students must write the outcome in their journals and then they discuss the written outcomes.  In 2^nd grade, three days a week, an item is displayed on a table with four questions on the projector to answer.  The children must develop a story in their journal by answering the questions on the board, using their creative minds, and becoming storytellers.  I love the fact that from the very moment the children enter the realm of learning, they are enlightened, they are controlled, and they are beginning a day filled with obstacles, where they will learn how to persevere and never give up. 
 

   In conclusion, the unknown is often fearful; however, our willingness to embrace it, conquer it, and learn from it, makes us far better prepared to face the day to day pressures of what we are called to do- teach!  Even though I am a principal, I will never stop learning and gleaning from those who are so much more knowledgeable than me- not until……. the Lord calls me home. Even then, I will have a book in my hand.