I read these comments and I’m full to the brim.

WW

Virginia and Kevin hit the nail on the head. We are all in this thing together — teachers, administrators, parents, and students. When I first started teaching, I thought the methods I was using were “normal” and every teacher did the same types of things. I realized that wasn’t the case when other teachers would walk by my door, shake their heads, and grin. Some would even comment that they came by just to see what I was “up to” each day. That’s when I realized that I might be a little “out there.”

I have always been more than willing to share the things I have discovered that “work” with my students. (Most people give me that “are you serious” look when I tell them some of the things I do to help my students investigate and master concepts!) I believe that willingness to share has made other teachers more willing to share their ideas with me.

Some of the best ideas I’ve ever used have come from the students themselves. Other ideas come from my own experience in life. I was fortunate to have numerous teachers who understood that I looked at the world a little differently than most and they encouraged me to search for the answers to my questions. What a gift! Now I try to give that same gift to my students, by respecting that each of them learn differently.

I realized this year that I am no longer the new kid on the block in my building. I am now a “veteran” teacher. That in itself is mind boggling. When I started on this path, I purposed in my heart that if I ever became stagnant, I would leave the classroom. To prevent that I seek out the new teachers, go to a workshop, read a blog, try some type of new technology, or just talk to my own kids. My boys (both in middle school) are a wealth of information of what works with kids and what doesn’t. Through them I’ve learned about iPods, podcasts, blogs, websites, and the list goes on.

On a personal note, I met your dad last week. What an inspiration he is. I hope I didn’t scare him to death. When he told me his name, I gave him a great big hug. That hour flew by — what a joy it was!

Take care…

I have also invited them in when the kids are not there to show them what I am doing. If I do not tell them, who will?

I think I am a good teacher, not because of anything I have done, because of the desire and talent and gift that God has given to me. It is not bragging if I do not get the glory.

I’m glad you took the initiative to start this blog!

It always saddens me to hear about the way some educators view their work as a competition. Some of the teachers who are posting on the PBS MediaInfusion site in response to your article have written about feeling isolated because teachers in their buildings essentially ostracize them. It seems very juvenile for educators to close their doors and guard all their “grand ideas” so that no one else can benefit from them. Likewise, teachers who refuse suggestions and collaboration (often because of their own insecurities) are missing out on opportunities for growth for themselves and also for their students.

We are doing some of the most important work that can be done when we teach children. There isn’t room for selfishness or misplaced pride when the futures of our kids are at stake. I have mentioned before that I am lucky to work in an environment where the majority of the educators and support staff in our school believe that all the kids belong to all of us. Collaboration is the norm, and sharing ideas is an everyday occurrence. In fact, when staff members at our school interview candidates for open positions, a standard interview question relates to each individual’s view of teamwork.

Unfortunately, it’s not a perfect world, and there are obviously many out there who don’t enjoy this collegiality with their co-workers. I’m more than happy to be a responder, “listener”, and collaborator with anyone who wants to participate in this blog with us. I figure there’s always something new I can learn from reading what others have to say!