I ran across this gem as I was cleaning out my computer files. This was a video I made of one of my last classes I taught. They are giving advice to the incoming class. You can learn a lot about yourself as a teacher if you ask your students.
I think it would be interesting to ask my teachers from Cannella to video tape advice for my new staff. I wonder if my eyes still get big when I’m serious?
July 4, 2014 at 4:38 pm
I’m not going to do a video but I will send my advice as a former teacher of Mrs. Walters…
Dress Code:
She likes professional! I would wait until Friday to wear your jeans with a spirit shirt! You are setting the example for the students.
Promptness:
Make sure you are in your classroom by 7:30 (not the parking lot). She likes it if you are at your door greeting students. And if the faculty meeting begins at 2:45, she WILL begin at 2:45!
Setting up room:
Do not, I repeat, DO NOT drag chairs and tables across freshly waxed floors! (that was advice given to me when I first came) Use painters tape or sticky tack to post things on the wall. She will provide them for you. Absolutely NO staples or hot glue to those posters! If you have a wall that is one big bulletin board, remember the fire code about what percentage of it can be filled with paper!
Professional Study:
Rachel loves professional study! Take advantage of opportunities outside of the district if the school has money!
Coaching:
She does offer herself up for coaching opportunities. Take advantage of those opportunities… they are truly coaching and not evaluation. This will help you feel comfortable with her being in your classroom. She truly does want you to become a better teacher and help you. This is her greatest asset. She loves the coaching role!
Walk-throughs:
She does walk throughs often, not intended to be “got you” moments. She is going around to see what great ideas, charts, lessons are going on in the school. She will also share them to the staff. And she also comes quietly (you may never expect her because she never comes in through the same door). I’ve always wanted to give her a cowbell to wear because she’s so quiet! There were times the students told me she was there and had no idea!
I am going to miss Rachel tremendously! You are gaining a great leader! I’ve been in the district for a long time and she’s the best administrator I’ve had! 🙂
July 7, 2014 at 12:17 pm
Elaine,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts. I think you captured me very well. I especially like the fact that you emphasized how much I enjoy coaching. I feel it is very difficult to get teachers to see me as anything other than an evaluator, but I know my most important role is educational leader. The best way to lead is by helping teachers be more successful. My absolute favorite time is when a teacher is taking a risk and trying something new, and I get invited to come and watch and offer feedback.
I also appreciate the wonderful compliment. I work very hard to become better at what I do, and having great teachers like you to help me grow makes it easier and more enjoyable.
July 7, 2014 at 4:19 pm
Rachel is genuine. I’ve truly enjoyed working with her. She truly believes in doing what’s right for the students—but also having fun along the way.
She really cares about people and being what’s right with them….and helping them grow individually ….personally and professionally….which will benefit students.
Be genuine. Be positively there for the students, parents, and staff everyday.
Teachers, stand outside your door to greet your students and adults genuinely with a smile daily.
Build positive relationships- daily.
Provide an environment that has color, maybe a plant, not cluttered, with student work displayed.
I have told my students many times that Rachel is my teacher.
I loved how she shared with us the struggles that she has and how she handles them- great insight.
I love how she leads by example.