Tuesday, November 16, 2021

Chapter 10 - Focus on Students First

 

Teaching is a very demanding profession and teachers are often faced with stressful, even unfair situations.  Yet, as Whitaker suggests, although complaining about such situations can be tempting, in the long run it only serves to make the job even more difficult.  Anyone who has worked in education - or, for that matter, in any profession - for even a few years has probably worked with colleagues who are chronic complainers.  Think of three teachers at your school whom you perceive as chronic complainers.  Next, think of three teachers at your school whom you have rarely, if ever, heard complain.  If there a difference between these two groups in terms of their job performance?  Do you enjoy being in the company of one group more than the other?  Which group seems to be having the most fun at school?  Is there a difference in their attendance patterns?  Do the chronic complainers ever subtly encourage you and others to join in the "gripe fest"?  Why is it vitally important that educators remain positive about their jobs and their profession?

at

5 comments:

  1. AnonymousFebruary 1, 2022 at 12:34 PM

    I have not been around any "complainers" so far, but I do know that there are some teachers who are not as happy as others. Looking at my Peers, we all seem to be doing the best we can when dealing with the different and changing situations. We all are trying to maintain positive and professional appearances which positively impacts our classrooms. Rather than saying complaining is a thing here, it seems that we are able to openly communicate concerns and issues and work on solutions together. All that does is strengthen bonds with the teachers, and also allows students to see a proper model on solution finding.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mary G.February 4, 2022 at 9:38 AM

      I agree that "we are able to openly communicate concerns and issues and work on solutions together." I feel this is unique to Odyssey.

      Delete
  2. AnonymousFebruary 4, 2022 at 8:00 AM

    I too don't think I have interacted with any "complainers." We certainly bemoan the common problems together and compare the behavior of students across classes to try and determine if there is anything we can do, but no people who just complain and bring down the mood. It is a great way to get advice and to see whether there is anything we can do to improve our classrooms, and helps us maintain our calm in front of students because we are able to let it out with someone who understands.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Mary G.February 4, 2022 at 9:36 AM

    I have encountered complaining a couple of times, however as a group we helped come up with solutions which greatly improved the atmosphere, and the complainers mood. I can think of several teachers who are super positive. The biggest thing I notice around them is focus on positivity and solutions minded. This group gives off pearls of wisdom without evening knowing it. Our job is already difficult. Why add more negativity through complaining?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Rosa BishopMarch 15, 2022 at 9:18 PM

    To be a teacher you need a true vocation which helps prepare you for all the obstacles that arise both with students and with colleagues, and administration.
    Collaboration between new teachers and those who already have experience is very important to focus on working and teaching students and that these are our most important priority regardless of the schedules or the absorbing routine and no matter what subject it is, we must put them in first place in all our academic planning

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

Chapter 20 - "Make It Cool to Care" and Chapter 21 - "Clarify Your Core"

  On page 118, the author describes "The Great Teacher" he identifies as "Mrs. Heart."  How did Mrs. Heart motivate Dari...