UNLOCKING THE VOCATION OF TEACHING EIGHT GUIDELINES TO GOOD TEACHING

WANTED: ENERGETIC PERSON WILLING TO BE COOPED UP FOR HOURS WITH CHILDREN. MUST BE WILLING TO HANDLE DAILY CRISES, WORK LONG DAYS, GET LOW WAGES, NEGOTIATE PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST, WALK ON WATER AND LEAP TALL BUILDINGS AT A SINGLE BOUND. HOURS NEGOTIABLE; KNOWLEDGE OF MARTIAL ARTS A PLUS.

1. DON’T SMILE BEFORE CHRISTMAS You are the person in charge You set the tone in the classroom Remember: they really want to know what you want them to know, and they really want to do what you expect them to do.

2. REALIZE YOU ARE PART OF A TEAM Everything has some effect on the “bottom line”; Keep dirty laundry where it belongs; Fill in for each other; Pray together and for each other; Have fun together frequently

3. MAKE THE FACULTY ROOM A PLACE TO “MEND YOUR NETS” Stay away from gossip; Use formal means of communication; Watch what you say about everyone else; Be there for each other

4.CULTIVATE A DESIRE TO LEARN Keep up with the students; Enthusiasm for learning is contagious; Share your learning with everyone; Be a life-long learner

5. STAY HEALTHY Look at your own lifestyle; Stay active; Watch your stress Cultivate a sense of humor

6. SEE STUDENTS AS UNFINISHED INDIVIDUALS Deal with adolescent issues Deal with the late-bloomers Realize that this is our last chance at them They just don’t make lepers like they used to.

7. REALIZE THE POWER OF YOU Once in awhile use words… Role model; The successful adult

8. SHOW THEM YOU CARE Listen, listen, listen Use forgiveness Follow them Invite them back Know when to hold ‘em...

Ask yourself (and someone else): 1. What is meant by “the secret curriculum in our schools is in the eyes of the teacher”? 2. What is meant by “the mere act of teaching implies that one wishes the world well”? 3. How do we do this together? 4. How will we maintain our energies to do this?

TEACHING IS A GIFT GIVEN TO SOME... TEACHERS ARE GIFTS GIVEN TO MANY.