Inspiring Students Today

Since the students I work with have emotional problems, it is important to meet those needs first and foremost. It is difficult for anyone to learn new things while dealing with emotional issues. We learn and remember best when we are relaxed and in a low stress environment. It is important to understand something about what upsets each student in an E. D. class and to have solutions for those emotional issues. For example, you are not going to teach to a student having a panic attack (a common problem with emotionally disturbed students). You must first calm the student and provide the necessary atmosphere for learning. Students do not learn in the midst of chaos. A quiet calm, reassuring voice is often called for, and at other times a stern warning has to be given to restore order. Each day, each hour and each moment require constant adjustment. One of the keys in keeping these types of students calm so learning can take place is to make sure the assignment is tailored to their i

My idea of assessment has evolved over the years to the point where I have one primary focus on assessment. That focus is to make sure the student (a human being) understands that an assessment does not define who they are. Too often a young impressionable teenager translates an assessment as a validation of being inadequate in some way. For that matter, adults are often hurt and discouraged over assessments of any kind.  Assessments should tell as where someone needs help and open a door for building them up rather than criticizing and rebuking them for being inadequate in some area. At some point everyone will fail in math, everyone will fail in science and PE and so on, but every child has a gift, every human being has a gift. Yes, assessments should point out a weakness, but it does not define us. One weakness is another’s strength. One child is an exceptional artist and another excels at math, but every child has a gift. Assessments should be tempered with kindness and encourag

Good classroom management requires a lot of determination. In many circumstances, it will test even the most determined, organized and enthusiastic person in the world. The more difficult the class, the more organized you had better be. You may be able to take a break with an IB class or honors class and actually work quietly at your computer planning upcoming assignments. In a classroom with students that struggle in school, have difficulties out of school and have numerous referrals, taking a moment to catch your breath is not an option. In these types of classes, you are racing in a marathon, and there is no time to stop if you intend to finish the race. You are teaching from bell to bell, and from the first bell of the day till the last day of the bell. Not only that, but you are most likely dealing with issues at lunch, after school and then calling parents at night. My point is that not all classes require the same level of classroom management. Not every business requires the s