Ordering Your Private World
“If my private world is in order, it will be because I am convinced that the inner world of the spiritual must govern the outer world of activity” – Gordon Macdonald - Ordering Your Private World I’ve been doing a lot of rich, deep reading lately. A lot of soul-searching, deep thinking, gut-level discussions [...]
We Teach Who We Are Pt 4 – Ourselves
The third reason for the complexities of teaching, an often overlooked factor is the fact that: we teach who we are. “Teaching emerges from one’s inwardness. As I teach, I project the condition of my soul onto my students, my subject and our day together.” Parker Palmer Days when I am stressed, distracted by other job demands, [...]
We Teach Who We Are Pt 3 – Students
“The students we teach are larger than life and even more complex. To see them clearly and see them whole, and respond to them wisely in the moment, requires a fusion of Freud and Solomon that few of us achieve.” Daunting tasks, so it seems. Caring for kids is synonymous with being a teacher. If [...]
We Teach Who We Are Pt 2 – Subjects
The first complexity that leads to the roller coaster of highest highs and the plummets of the lowest lows is the fact that our subject matters are incredibly difficult to get a handle on. For most teachers, they are required to be a generalist – something pretty hard to accomplish, as it is difficult to [...]
We Teach Who We Are Pt One – The Roller Coaster
I really, really love the writings of Parker Palmer. He has a way with words, drawing me into a deeper understanding and awareness of the inner dialogue, battles, joys and successes that I face daily as a teacher. His article entitled “We Teach Who We Are” demonstrates this incredible skill so well. In discussing the [...]
What Makes a Truly Great Teacher?
This question has continued to come up again in conversation so I thought I would re-post it. Great discussion starter amongst colleagues! This question was posed at my table last week at an Alberta Education Curriculum Coordinator meeting, and the ensuing discussion was inspiring. What is it that makes truly great teachers? One brought up [...]
Five Words to Live By…
I follow a few different blogs, and this one by Jim Rohn really had me thinking about the words that I believe make a life worthwhile. I have to echo a few of Jim’s words. First and foremost I would agree – LEARN is a powerful word in my profession, in my life. “You have [...]
Prioritizing Education
Tonight – well – actually – its 2:04 am so I should say – this morning’s final confirmation of Alison Redford as Alberta’s new premier is exciting. While I don’t claim to know all the ins and outs of the Progressive Conservatives – I know that she has promised to refund all the cuts made [...]
Surest Way to Fail
I don’t know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody. Bill Cosby Somethings are not shaping up to be how I wish they would be for next year. Ever experience that… When things don’t look like your best-case scenario? Problem is, your best-case scenario could very well be [...]
In Approaching the Finish Line: I RESOLVE!
I can hardly believe how quickly the year is coming to a close. I have so enjoyed the students I’ve been able to teach this year. And, as I reflect back on this year, I know that they too have taught me many, many things! I know that in the busyness of end of [...]
