Want to Become a Better Teacher? Put Your Students Before the Content

Hey there, fellow educators! If you’re looking to level up your teaching game, you’ve landed in the right spot. Today, we’re diving deep into how you can shift your focus from just delivering content to really connecting with your students. Jennifer Casa-Todd, a teacher-librarian and author, shares some fantastic insights that can totally transform your classroom.

Connecting with Students: The Real MVPs

First off, Jennifer emphasizes the importance of putting students before content. Trust me, this mindset can change everything. She recalls those early days when the integrity of her subject was all-consuming. She often found herself tuning out the kids unless they were directly tied to a book or lesson. But once she made the switch to focusing on students’ interests and passions, everything changed.

Imagine starting the school year by having students create Bitmoji scenes that showcase their uniqueness. This isn’t just an arts-and-crafts project; it’s a gateway to understanding students better. For Jennifer, it was a fun way to get insight into both their digital skills and personalities. Students added in their favorite things, playlists, and learning styles. Then they’d share these with each other. Simple yet effective!

Assessment with Intention

Next up, let’s chat about assessments. Jennifer points out that you need to be super intentional about what you assign and evaluate. Sound familiar? As teachers, we often fall into the trap of drowning in piles of student work, feeling the pressure to grade it all, right?

Take a breather! Moving towards peer and self-assessment can drastically lighten your load. When students assess their own work, they learn to set personal goals and reflect on their learning. Plus, it gives them ownership of their progress. Peer assessment? It’s like training wheels for constructive criticism, helping students hone their skills together. Remember, spending a little time teaching these skills pays off big in the long run!

Your Students Can Help Rethink Class Routine

Now, let’s talk about classroom dynamics. The more students get involved in classroom routines, the smoother things run. Seriously! Jennifer was once stuck trying to come up with a fun riddle every day until she realized her students could do it! Less work for her and more engagement for them. It’s a win-win!

To keep tech savvy students engaged, have them help out as tech experts. You’ll be amazed at how sometimes the kids who don’t seem to shine academically will totally surprise you when given the chance to take the lead.

Make it Public: Creative Class PR

What about social media? Why not let students take charge of the class’s online presence? Set up a public relations rotation where students create a social media post on what they’ve learned. It’ll teach them about digital citizenship and the ins and outs of tone and audience—all while keeping them off actual platforms. You’ll feel like a media mogul in the classroom!

Time is Your Best Friend

Let’s pause and reflect on those first-year teaching jitters. We’ve all been there. Jennifer recalls how overwhelmed she felt trying to juggle everything perfectly. Hear this: It’s totally okay to give yourself time. You won’t figure it all out overnight; it’s a journey! Embrace those mistakes—they’re all part of the gig. Each one teaches you more about being a better teacher.

Be Authentic and Selective

Take a moment to think about yourself. You don’t have to replicate every strategy you see. Pick what speaks to you, tweak it to fit your personality, and don’t force it if it feels wrong. At the start, Jennifer tried enforcing strict discipline, but that didn’t align with her authentic self. Once she embraced her style, everything clicked.

No one expects perfection; teaching is an art, not a science. There’s no magic formula that guarantees success. Your skills are ever-evolving, and that’s part of the excitement!

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

Here’s a huge takeaway: learn not to take student behavior personally. A rough day doesn’t mean you’re a bad teacher. When students misbehave, it isn’t always a reflection of you. Instead, see it as a chance to understand what they might be going through.

In time, the negative feedback or reactions won’t sting as much. You’ll build confidence, putting things into perspective so you can focus on the positive aspects of teaching.

Understanding Student Emotions

Irina McGrath, an assistant principal, brings another crucial element to the table—emotions affect everything in the classroom. We know students come in with their own challenges, and those emotions can seriously impact learning. For instance, writing can cause anxiety in students who don’t see themselves as writers.

Support student growth by adopting activities that help you get to know them better. Try a Classroom Scrapbook project, where each student creates a visual narrative about their lives. This could be drawings, photos, stickers, or collages. Encourage them to share letters about their dreams and challenges. It’s a fun way to build connections and trust!

Knowledge Retention: Make It Stick

Did you know the brain can be pretty forgetful? To help combat this, present information multiple times in various formats—videos, podcasts, practice tests—you name it! Making learning stories engaging can also spark retention. Just think of how much we all remember from our favorite tales!

Teaching students memory tricks, such as reading aloud or using flashcards, can also help solidify their learning. Your creativity in approaching this will definitely pay off!

Reflect and Evolve

Being in education for over two decades, Irina has witnessed significant growth—not just in her students but also in her practices. It’s important to embrace that journey. As you embark on your teaching career, keep track of effective practices and be willing to adjust what doesn’t work. Progress takes patience!

Love What You Do

Make sure your students know that you love teaching! Your passion is contagious. Sure, there’s a lot of pressure, but remember, learning thrives when excitement fills the room. Celebrate the little wins—whether it’s a student solving a tough problem or tackling a new math representation you just taught. Reflect on these moments and cherish them!

Chill with the Superhero Complex

Finally, ditch the idea that you need to master everything at once. Teaching is a marathon, not a sprint. Focus on improving one practice at a time. Too often, new teachers feel that need to do it all in their first year. Instead, aim for progress—be patient with yourself. You’ll find your groove!

Teaching is an adventure full of ups and downs, but it’s the connections—both with your students and yourself—that will create a fulfilling experience. Keep these tips in your back pocket, and you might just find yourself thriving in the classroom!

Let’s continue this beautiful journey of teaching, one day at a time!