Where did the year go?
Every year about this time, as the school year ends and summer “vacation” begins, I like to reflect on the year and what I learned as a high school teacher in a small city like Pittsburgh. And this year, I learned a lot! I am blessed to work in a great school district, but even more blessed to have met some of the students that I met this year. I am happy to report that I witnessed GROWTH in students.
Growth in the amount of curiosity-both eductional and life issues, the willingness to step outside their own comfort zone and get creative, the ability to express themselves on paper and (bonus) in presentation format, the ability to think ahead and plan for their future, the ability to become more than they were 10 months ago.
As a teacher, this is the biggest triumph (and goal) of all. To see growth. Yes, there was also growth in reading, writing, science, technology use, etc. But what good is that to a nation if what we also need is innovation, confidence, creativity, global thinking? The skills alone mean little if there is no ability or desire to USE them and learn more about them and to have a desire to contribute to the world.
We need to create life long learners. We need people who want to step outside of themselves and see the bigger picture, the global issues and applications, and make the world a different/better place for all…not just themselves.
So this year was a step closer to that feeling that we may just be OK in the future. There are young people out there who see beyond themselves, beyond their tweets and fb posts, beyond the fashion of the day and who is dating who. They see their future (and mine!).
As a teacher, I have learned more about what I need to do to foster the desire to learn. Through educational research? Yes, of course, and lots of it; but most effectively through experience with the students, trying new things (many research based), listening to (and discerning) the needs versus wants, breaking out of old patterns and being willing to change my methods…
Teaching high school for me, is a great profession, a great experience, and so rewarding/fulfilling. Here’s hoping that next year brings more of the same.
