In what ways are your values and beliefs reflected in your role as instructor?

Think about a time when you felt that your behavior as an instructor was out of sync with your values and beliefs.  What did you do?  What did you feel?  In what ways are your values and beliefs reflected in your role as instructor?

I think we all have a moment as educators when we act out of character, against our values and beliefs.  Last semester I had an awful interaction with a student.  The student treated two of his classmates in a manner beyond unacceptable.  I reacted out of instinct and shock and yelled at the student to go to the office.  There was no calm discussion or clarification of rules and consequences, just pure anger.  The situation contradicted everything that I consider important in education.  I knew that I needed to do something to discuss my behavior with my students.   The next day we spend the class talking about courage and honor.  I told them that honor was doing the right thing even when it’s hard and that we all need to take responsibility for our actions.  It was important, that in front of my students, I take responsibility for losing my temper and discuss the appropriate way to respond to situations.  I think that taking responsibility and discussing issues with my students sets the example that I want them to follow.

Have you ever wondered why a learner comes into your classroom with an attitude?

Have you ever wondered why a learner comes into your classroom with an attitude?  Have you ever wished that you did not have to deal with the parents of your learners because they are so hard to get along with?  Recall and describe on difficult incident that you had recently.

 

I overheard a shocking statement from a student recently.  The student is frequently in trouble and he was telling another student that his mother and grandmother told him that the rules at our school are stupid and that he shouldn’t worry about any punishments he received at school.  I was, at first, very upset but then realized that I was being provided with a huge insight into the student’s personality and actions.  At that moment, every statement and incident that I’d seen or been part of with the student was very clear.  I had struggled with the student, as many of my coworkers did, trying to figure out why there seemed to be no reward or punishment that motivated the student.  His personal culture is a major factor in my difficulty creating a connection that promotes learning.   I wish there was a way for me to tell his parents what a great disservice they have done by telling him to ignore his instructors.

Distrubtive Leadership Leads to Capacity Building

Distributive leadership has really brought Vineland Middle School closer to meeting it's goals and missions.  Distributive leadership gives educational professionals the ability to take success into their own hands.  The leaders in District 70 and at Vineland Middle School have allowed teachers to take ownership of our profession.  We are able to pursue professional development, set goals, and obtain resources based on our personal judgement.  The form of distributive leadership in practice at our school has made us proud and confident that we can meet our goals and objectives.