Is this your last week of school?

It is for our family, and there is a myriad of emotions.  The kids are excited and ready to be done!  Is that how you feel?  Then there's my sister, who has seen her two kids excel, and doesn't want them to lose momentum.  So she's scrambled around finding things for them to enjoy this summer.  And there's me, who still misses that moment when everything is stored, and finished, and put up for the summer.  That moment where everything is still, and you take a deep breath, and think about what you accomplished--and did not accomplish during the year.  No matter where you are, I'd encourage you to make a list of 20 things you DID accomplish this year--because I know you had at least that many.  It doesn't matter how small it is; celebrate!

Teachers Make a Difference

Last weekend I spent Saturday with a great group of teachers in Cleveland, Ohio.  They were passionate about making a difference for and with their students, and they were actively engaged in professional development---on a Saturday!---to accomplish their goals.  They reminded me of how much I believe in teachers, and the power of teachers to make a difference.  Thank you!

Spring Break?

Are you on spring break this week?  Both my kids are out, and I'm trying to figure out how there is more to do this week than when they were in school!  If you are out of school, I hope you find the time to do at least one thing you totally enjoy!

Winter Break

For many of you, the winter break (or holiday break, or Christmas break) is just around the corner. I wish you the best, and hope that you take some time to do something for yourself--not work, not grad school, not family....just you. I know that is hard. I've spent the last year learning to balance a new husband and stepson. Last year around this time, we were three days away from our wedding! But one thing I have learned...or relearned...is that no matter what, if I don't take time to refresh, there's not much left to give anyone else. So this break, take a deep breath, and step away from the rest of the world. Then, ask yourself, what is it that I need to do to be the best I can be when I go back in January? Have a blessed holiday season. Barbara

Classroom Motivation from A to Z was my first book, and I wrote it because I meet many teachers who feel as though they are fighting a losing battle. Too often, we only focus on what is wrong with schools, and in many cases, the solution is to buy the latest program or product which will “fix” what’s wrong.

As I said in my introduction, “There is an old saying used in medical schools: "If you hear hoof beats, think horses, not zebras." It was used in response to medical students who looked for exotic diagnoses for basic illnesses. Some teachers fall into the same trap. We look for the latest quick fix to help us deal with the ever-increasing challenges we face with today's students. The solution to many of the challenges you face is not purchasing the latest program; it is a focused effort to provide your students an environment in which they can thrive.”

I’ve worked for three educational publishing companies and know that programs aren’t the solution, they are simply tools that can assist teachers do what they know how to do best, which is reach and help their students. I meet great teachers everyday, and I see example after example of strategies and activities that help students learn. Most of these seem basic, but when used consistently and appropriately, students learn and teachers see the difference. So, my first goal in writing Classroom Motivation was to share some of these strategies with other teachers.

But I also wanted to write a book that reminds teachers of their value. I believe that teachers change the world everyday; but you don’t always see the results. Sam Myers, from Sumter 17 School District in South Carolina says, “On your worst day, you are someone’s best hope.” That’s a strong reminder of the positive power of a teacher.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope everyone has a happy Thanksgiving and a rest from the daily stress of school life. No matter how much you love your job (or not), we all need a few days away. I would encourage you to take time to do one thing totally for yourself in the next few days. Go to a movie, write in your journal, take a walk...whatever you enjoy. Afterward, when you feel like you have had a chance to breathe, write down three reasons you CHOOSE to do what you do. Because it's always a choice...maybe you want to make a difference for a student, maybe you like the "a-ha" moment that comes (not nearly as often as we'd like), or maybe you like knowing that you learn as much as your students. Thank you for choosing to be a teacher or a leader. You make a difference for students everyday...even when it doesn't feel like it.

Balance

Have you ever felt like you were juggling too many things at one time? It has been that way for me lately. I kept thinking that things would calm down by now, but... A friend of mine laughed at me, saying "things never calm down; you just get better at dealing with them." I hope that's true. For me, the last year has been full of changes. In 2009 I took a new job at a different university. It's amazing how the same job is different at a new place. When I married in December, I was balancing a new job, commuting two hours each way, a new husband and stepson, finishing a book, and selling my house. TOO MUCH! My first decision to add balance was to quit my university job at the end of the year. So, in June, I became a full time writer/speaker, wife and mom. There's still a lot to balance. Just finishing the new book--Rigor in Your School--A Toolkit for Leaders, and I'm taking some time off the road. Right now, my biggest tip for balance is to make a list this morning--not a full to
do list but a two column list: Definite Things to Accomplish Things I'd Like to Get Done (But I won't beat myself up if I don't).
Usually, that was all on one list, but this way I feel more accomplishment!

What does a teacher do?

From my great friend, research assistant, and former student Missy Miles:
A teacher will be some place in the world tonight preparing lessons to teach your children while you are watching tv. In the minute it takes you to read this, teachers all over the world are on their own time for your children's literacy, prosperity and future. If you can read this, then thank a teacher.

I love it!