Thursday, May 16, 2013

If You Are Not Moving Forward, You Are Moving Backwards


The art of teaching is an evolution, a process of failure, success, introspection, and refinement. The art of teaching is not laminated, carved in stone, and the same year after year. No classroom is a "well oiled machine" that can run itself year after year. To hear words like this can make my blood boil. 

The highly effective teacher is also a highly effective learner. The teachers I respect the most are never satisfied and always looking for ways to improve student learning. Learning and sharing has never been easier with online tools such as Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, etc. These resources help making learning a year round expedition. Sadly, not all educators know about or are comfortable with this style of professional learning. For many, the traditional summer workshop is the time for some personal learning. Summer also provides teachers the time to decompress, reflect on the school year, and the time to learn something new! 

No matter what you do this summer, take the next step in your learning journey. Sometimes when you take that first step on the escalator, it might feel uncomfortable with that sense of uneasiness. But once you take that first step, you are on your way up to your destination. Learning something new is no different. The first step is always the hardest but things have no where to go but up after that!

Always keep moving forward. If you choose to stand still in your learning, those who are moving forward will pass you by. In essence, you are moving backwards by merely standing still. You and your students deserve better than that. Rest and relax this summer but don't forget to take a few steps forward. Read a blog, get on Twitter, attend a professional development workshop/class/conference, read a book, or simply collaborate with others. No matter what you do, do something.


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