The Cardinal Way
Sharing the Stories of Southport High School
Leading and Learning: TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK
It is teacher appreciation week! I am fortunate enough to be the son of two retired educators, to be married to a phenomenal teacher (who is the daughter of two educators herself), and to serve a group of amazing teachers daily. Over my fourteen years as an administrator, I have had the opportunity to observe, and learn from, some teachers who would be among the best and the brightest in any school.
I saw the image below recently and it made me think about the work that teachers actually do that makes them great. The world has one view of teachers, but those of us who stand alongside students know that there is so much more to what we do.
As I have thought about attributes the best in their field have in common, I have come up with six characteristics that I believe are embodied by all great teachers.
Great teachers care about kids first and foremost. Great teachers do not teach math... or grammar... or science... or arts... -- they teach students. Rick Dufour stated, “You can’t prove anything was taught until you have proof of learning.” Teaching does not happen without learning being the end result or product; therefore, if students are not learning, we are not teaching. This can be a hard pill to swallow for average teachers. They put their content first, they love it, they preach it, and then place all the onus in learning on their students. Great teachers realize if we are not doing work that brings students in, and makes them want to learn, (which is hard work, especially if students are not very interested in what is being taught) are we really thinking about the kids and putting them first?
Great teachers are risk-takers. Great teachers are constantly looking for ways to make school new and/or better for students. Great teachers are innovative and therefore provide space for students to innovate as well. Innovation is a norm in the classrooms of great teachers. Average teachers live in their comfort zone. They play it safe to ensure they always get it right. Great teachers do not change for the sake of changing, but they take risks to improve their classroom. Great teachers realize every individual in the classroom is a learner and learning requires making mistakes -- teachers included.
Great teachers have a “no blame attitude.” We live in a society of blamers -- people who are not willing to take responsibility for how their own actions impact outcomes. From smokers who blame and sue cigarette companies for causing them cancer, to fast food junkies who blame restaurants for being unhealthy -- we live in a culture of blame. Great teachers never blame their circumstances. While average teachers point their fingers at the students or parents, trying to deflect blame for academic or behavioral deficiencies in their classrooms, great teachers make no excuses. Great teachers believe all students can be successful with the right support. Average teachers ask themselves “Can my students do this?” Great teachers ask questions like, “HOW can my students do this?” or “WHAT can I do to get my students to that point?” They have appropriately high standards and for every student and find ways for all students, regardless of their perceived ability, to achieve success. Great teachers own the learning in their classroom - no blame, no shame, and definitely no excuses!
Great teachers are team players. Great teachers are amazing collaborators. They understand that we are all better together and we need each other to be our best. Where average teachers may keep their great ideas to themselves out of a need to feel superior, great ones share freely. The best learning does not happen in isolation and great teachers understand this concept in relationship to themselves and their students. Great teachers understand that it does not matter how good you are in your classroom if you don’t share it with others. They want the learning experience to be better for all students, they understand the point of a school is to make it better for all students, not to selfishly hold ideas so you can be better than your colleagues. Great teachers do not just want to have a great classroom; they want to have a great school. Average teachers are satisfied with only helping the students sitting in front of them each year. Great ones raise their game, by bringing others up around them.
Great teachers are challengers, but not resistors. Great teachers challenge the status quo because they want things better. They have no interest in just being good. They want what is best for their students. Great teachers do not resist initiatives or change, but they do ask a lot of questions and push to make sure all the i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed before moving forward. They do this out of the best interest of their students and the school. Average teachers are often prone to resistance to new ideas or ways of thinking. They resist because, in doing so, it makes their job easier. Great teachers have no problem working harder and smarter in the best interest of the students in their care.
Great teachers have a purpose. Maybe most importantly, great teachers know who they are and why they teach. They live by a credence that all students can and will be successful in their classrooms. Great teachers get up every day to go to a job they love. Although the work is hard, their passion and purpose carry them through day-to-day and year-to-year challenges. Average teachers view their position as just a job. They float around, like a ship without a rudder, trying to find joy in what they do, often looking in all the wrong places. They question why they are teaching and therefore lack the gusto often seen in great teachers. Great teachers know who they are, are confident in their decisions, and always do what is best for the students they serve.
I realized as I have been working on this post, how many of these characteristics are amplified while we are working in a remote environment. These traits make teachers great, and they let great teachers continue to be great in any environment. While working in a remote learning environment, the items that are below the waterline are amplified. Great teachers understand that while the platform is different, the mission has never changed.
Teachers, in general, may often be undervalued in society, but the great ones are never underappreciated or unloved by their students. Great teachers will probably never fully understand the impact they have on students’ lives or realize the difference they make on a daily basis, but they push forward anyway. Great teachers value learning for themselves and their students, and that is what keeps them coming back and exciting year after year!
Thank you to all the great teachers out there! You make a difference every day!
Do you recognize these traits in some of your colleagues? Tell them! Celebrate each other and what makes us great!
What it takes to #BeACardinal:
Zach Evans has taken up 3D printing as a hobby during the stay at home order. With help from our school library’s makerspace, he volunteered to 3D print mask straps to donate to Community South. He has printed almost 200 of them to help out health care workers during this pandemic!
Grateful Friday Challenge
Week 34 Grateful Friday Challenge:
Happy Friday, YOU Courageous Cardinals!
This Friday we would like to share a video many of you have seen before. Its message is simply too powerful to not take another look at: Every Kid Needs a Champion
As we wrap up Teacher Appreciation Week, let’s take a few moments today and reflect back on the teachers, coaches, counselors, aides, and other adults that have changed, encouraged, motivated, and inspired us somewhere along this journey. If you are still in contact with them, take a few minutes to reach out and tell them how they were a champion for you and helped you become the person you are today!
This has arguably been the toughest end of the year for any of us, regardless of how many years we have been in education. Over the past few weeks, it has seemed difficult to be at the top of our game trying to hold the attention of the students who are no longer in front of us each day, and let’s be honest -- we need a break too. Did you know that more than likely the person who taught in March in the room next to you (and is now teaching from their living room) feels the same? Let’s appreciate that. This new learning environment can be very lonely. But, we are not alone. We are all in the same boat and working hard to send this year out in the best way possible.
So here is a song you might want to listen to to get you fired up for today: Livin’ on a Prayer (even though we are way over halfway there!)
Every single day we are working so hard to plant and water seeds diligently, yet we often do not see the fruits of our labor. Make the day of a fellow educator or colleague and share how they have made an impact!
If you are in the Twitter-sphere, please share your stories using #SHSGFC! Let's inspire others to share their thanks and stories!
Be a Champion today!
With banners flying as we go! #FlyAsONE
Be a Cardinal; Change lives; Put a mission into motion!
180 Days of Learning -- #CardsLearn
Sara Kohne
Kim Roberts
We Love Our Seniors
Conner McNeely
Clint Frank
Educational Humor
Southport High School
Email: bknight@perryschools.org
Website: http://perryschools.org/sh/
Location: 971 E Banta Rd, Indianapolis, IN, United States
Phone: 317-789-4800
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SHSCardinals/
Twitter: @SHS_Cardinals