Monday Motivator #14 2020-21

20 Reasons to Give Thanks for Teachers

By Getting Smart Staff 

  As we approach the holiday season, one that is often filled with gratitude, we’re excited for the        opportunity to offer thanks to teachers. While the list could be endless, we curated it based on our    own experiences teaching, learning or working alongside educators to recognize the many things    they do to enrich the lives of students.

  While it’s pretty intuitive to know our expressions of gratitude might benefit another person (and     that’s enough motivation!), there are also many scientifically proven benefits of gratitude,                 including:

1. Gratitude opens the door to more relationships
2. Gratitude improves physical health
3. Gratitude improves psychological health
4. Gratitude enhances empathy and reduces aggression
5. Grateful people sleep better
6. Gratitude improves self-esteem
7. Gratitude increases mental strength
   
   
   
   

   Team Getting Smart is extremely grateful for educators around the world – especially for those that promote student-centered learning experiences.

   Here are 20 teacher behaviors that we are grateful for and that might jog your memory of personal stories about a teacher in your life. Take time during the next few days to let them know how they positively impact our world and #thankateacher.

   1. Personalizing. We can all agree that learners need to be met where they are. We’re so grateful for educators working hard to create personalized experiences for their students. The IDEA school in Dallas is getting this right with a true focus on personalized learning. Where not only are students met where they are, but they’re welcomed and made to feel at home. Thank you to all to the teachers out there creating safe spaces for learners to grow!

   2. Encouraging. Maintaining a “can do” attitude and encouraging students to reach outside of their comfort zones, into their full potential is an essential element of teaching.

   3. Appreciating. Mayerson Academy  (@MayersonAcademy) in Ohio encourages teachers to affirm and appreciate strengths in students and Jillian Darwish offers practical tips and tools to help teachers and students choose kindness.

   4. Designing. The entire staff of One Stone (@OneStoneIdaho) for providing students with access and opportunity to “own” design thinking in their growth as learners, and individuals that will change the world through a solution mindset.

   5. Instilling. There aren’t many things we can thank teachers for more than for their efforts to instill a love of learning through hands-on experiences and a lot of heart. Science teacher Mr. Logan Carstensen of Lake Middle School (@LakeMiddle) is a great example.

   6. Performing. Getting Smart Teacher Blogger John Hardison (@JohnHardison1) creates powerful learning with his engaging learning structures.
   
   

   
   

   7. Inspiring Contribution. We know that our focus in schools must shift to be inclusive of what students care about and what matters in their communities. Organizations, like these eight in New Orleans, are providing students the opportunity to contribute in meaningful ways.

   8. Exploring. We believe in the power of place, and the importance of using your community to create real, authentic learning experiences for students. Teachers (and leaders) at the Eagle Rock School (@EagleRockScool) in Colorado have a great approach to community connected, project-based learning.

   9. Illuminating. Many secondary students across the country participate in the AVID (@Avid4College) program, which illuminates for students what it means to prepare for life being their diploma through college and career readiness.

   10. Building. A great maker space can be so powerful for learners. We even believe it can solve problems and foster empathy. One of our recent favorites is teacher Gerry Irrizary’s maker lab pictured below.

   
   

   11. Empowering. The best educators empower students as well as their communities. At Lindsay Unified School District (@Lindsay_USD), they’re building and growing programs that empower community members to aid teachers. “Empower Lindsay” is the district’s initiative to ensure every learner has the best facilitator and leader of learning.

   12. Serving. It’s undeniable that educators serve learners, their families, and communities every single day. They are the definition of servant leadership.

   13. Showing up. We believe in the power of networks to transform education and create powerful personalized, project-based learning at scale.

   14. Modeling. In the classroom and beyond, teachers serve as role models.

   15. Innovating. We know this work isn’t easy. But we’re thankful for teachers who work hard to create and sustain innovative learning environments that support learners in obtaining real-world skills that help them prepare for the future.

   16. Believing. Sometimes what students need most is someone who believes in them. For students, it helps when this is an educator who knows their struggles and their life experiences.

   17. Laughing. Great educators are reinforcers of positivity, and in many cases, this means laughing in the face of struggles and times of strife. John Hardison and his music playlist ideas are a great example!

   18. Learning. While the phrase “lifelong learners” can be overused, we thank ALL the teachers who are willing to learn something new (and who are open to learning from their students) in order to prepare students for a future different from our own.

   19. Persisting. Teaching is one of the hardest jobs out there. We are continually grateful that so many outstanding teachers come back year after year to continue making an impact in their students’ lives.

   20. Caring. One thing we know for sure is that great teachers care. From academics to social-emotional development, teachers strive to provide their students with the best opportunities, relationships, and experiences.

   
   

Monday Motivator #13 2020-21

 

How To Support Your Students’ Mental Health During Covid

https://www.smartclassroommanagement.com/2020/11/21/students-mental-health-covid/

Although the hard numbers aren’t in yet, surveys indicate that the pandemic is taking a toll on our students’ mental health.

Fear and social isolation are causing a spike in anxiety, depression, and suicide ideation.

You’ve likely seen signs yourself:

Lethargy

Apathy

Indifference

Distractability

Restlessness

What follows are three things you can do to help.

1. Acknowledge

Many students feel alone and cut off from their former life. They may not have friends or family they can confide in, and thus feel as if they’re the only one having a hard time.

Just knowing that they’re not alone can provide great comfort. The fact is, we’re all struggling to some degree. By simply acknowledging it, you can help a lot of students.

You don’t have to be specific or dwell on your own low moments.

But in a general sense, acknowledging the mental strain of Covid, and how the isolation and disruption to our lives is hard to deal with, is enormously beneficial.

The truth is, they’re not alone. But they don’t always know it.

2. Drench

A powerful antidote to feelings of depression and anxiety is to have purpose. Because of Covid, purpose for many has been shredded into a million little pieces. In some cases, even gone for good.

You are in position, however, to provide a new purpose for your students by approaching your lessons with renewed passion and enthusiasm.

Pull on your fins and snorkel gear and guide your students down into the ocean depths to listen to the clicks and squeaks of dolphins and sperm whales.

Climb with them to the dusty top of Cheops and gaze down on the new discovery of a fourth pyramid on the Western edge of the Giza Plateau. Recite Robert Frost with Ponyboy and Johnny as they hide out in Windrixville Church.

Take your students on an adventure.

Drench them in their learning. Go deeper instead of wider. Make learning about the world, its inhabitants, and the natural laws that bind it all together their new purpose.

And the burdens of 2020 will begin to fade like a bright, shiny morning.

3. Offer

Every day tell your students that you’re there for them. Tell them that you care for them, that you have their back, and that you’ll do your best to help them through any struggle or obstacle they’re facing.

Repeat your email address again and again. Keep it written on your whiteboard or readily published to your online platform. Let your students know that they can pull you aside or contact you anytime.

Offer to set up a meeting if they wish to chat.

They may not take you up on it. Probably won’t, in fact. But just knowing that you’re available is often enough. Knowing that someone cares and is there to listen if they need it can make a big difference.

So be that person.

And say it often. “I’m here for you. If you need anything or you’re struggling in any way, I’ll help you through it.”

Be Smart

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that we’re not health professionals.

If a student reports to you that they feel like harming themselves or others, or if they appear in any danger, then immediately contact your principal, counselor, and psychologist.

If you feel it’s an emergency, then also contact the local police.

Never go beyond the support boundaried by your level of training and certification. Never speak to a student alone without others in the room or exchange emails without cc’ing your principal or counselor.

Never cross that invisible line.

In the rush to help, many teachers do more harm than good. So protect yourself. Be smart. Be a beacon of hope in the areas you can provide the most help.

And you may just save a life.