real world (shortened)

Mark BenthallMark BenthallCopyright 2007Copyright 2007

THETHETHEORYTHEORY

OFOFTEACHINGTEACHING

THETHETHEORYTHEORY

OFOFTEACHINGTEACHING

Mark BenthallMark BenthallCopyright 2007Copyright 2007

Promoting RelationshipsPromoting Relationships

StudentsStudents ParentsParents Other TeachersOther Teachers AdministratorsAdministrators Support StaffSupport Staff Your FamilyYour Family YouYou

Promoting Relationships: Promoting Relationships: StudentsStudents

It’s ALL about It’s ALL about the kids!the kids!





Get to Know ThemGet to Know Them Always Be Honest Always Be Honest Always Be FairAlways Be Fair Fair is a Relative TermFair is a Relative Term Show Genuine Concern and Let Them Show Genuine Concern and Let Them

Know You CareKnow You Care Always Act in Their Best Interest- Be Always Act in Their Best Interest- Be

Their AdvocateTheir Advocate


Establish a Classroom of TrustEstablish a Classroom of Trust

Earn the Trust of OthersEarn the Trust of Others

MeetYour

Obligations

WatchPeople’s

Back

NoHidden

Agendas

Tellthe

TRUTH

KeepYour

Promises

Always ActIn People’s

Best Interest

TRUST


Establish a Classroom Where There is Establish a Classroom Where There is No Fear of FailureNo Fear of Failure


Listen to ThemListen to Them Don’t Be Their Buddy, Be Their Don’t Be Their Buddy, Be Their

TeacherTeacher Respect Isn’t Commanded, It’s EarnedRespect Isn’t Commanded, It’s Earned It Works Both WaysIt Works Both Ways Stay Calm… Never Lose Your TemperStay Calm… Never Lose Your Temper OK to Let the Kids See You’re Upset or OK to Let the Kids See You’re Upset or

AngryAngry


Never Grab/Touch a Child in AngerNever Grab/Touch a Child in Anger Hugging is OKHugging is OK Be Careful How You Joke AroundBe Careful How You Joke Around Students and you must have a bond Students and you must have a bond

of trust before you can even start of trust before you can even start joking around.joking around.

Teach Life LessonsTeach Life Lessons Developing Social and Emotional Developing Social and Emotional

IntelligenceIntelligence


The Goal of Developing Social/Emotional The Goal of Developing Social/Emotional Intelligence is to Have Kids Who Know How Intelligence is to Have Kids Who Know How to:to:

Work well togetherWork well together Treat people with respectTreat people with respect Care for othersCare for others In your class, school, community, country, In your class, school, community, country,

and worldand world Be responsible citizensBe responsible citizens Possess a sense of self-worth Possess a sense of self-worth

Promoting Relationships: Promoting Relationships: Social/Emotional Social/Emotional

IntelligenceIntelligence LIFE LESSONSLIFE LESSONS…… Nobody Likes a Whiner!Nobody Likes a Whiner! We ALL Make Mistakes… Learn We ALL Make Mistakes… Learn

From ThemFrom Them Works Both WaysWorks Both Ways Smoking Will Kill YouSmoking Will Kill You Drugs Will Ruin Your LifeDrugs Will Ruin Your Life

Promoting Relationships: Promoting Relationships: Social/Emotional Social/Emotional

IntelligenceIntelligence Sample Life Lessons (continued)Sample Life Lessons (continued) Manners are ImportantManners are Important If You Can’t be Trusted, You Will Have If You Can’t be Trusted, You Will Have

Problems in Relationships All Your Problems in Relationships All Your LifeLife

I Made a Mistake and I Am SORRYI Made a Mistake and I Am SORRY How to Snipe on EbayHow to Snipe on Ebay Never Be Afraid To Ask for More/LessNever Be Afraid To Ask for More/Less College Delays Getting a Real JobCollege Delays Getting a Real Job


Teach Life Lessons Teach Life Lessons (continued…)(continued…)

If Ozzy Osbourne Can Write a Song, If Ozzy Osbourne Can Write a Song, You Can Too!You Can Too!

Promoting RelationshipsPromoting Relationships: : ParentsParents

Do Not Fear Parents Do Not Fear Parents Go to the Parents First Go to the Parents First Communicate Often Communicate Often First, Be PositiveFirst, Be Positive Be Clear About What You WantBe Clear About What You Want No SurprisesNo Surprises


Win Their TrustWin Their Trust It’s Never You vs Them, or You vs It’s Never You vs Them, or You vs

Their ChildTheir Child Show EmpathyShow Empathy Show ConfidenceShow Confidence Show HumilityShow Humility Always Be an Advocate of the ChildAlways Be an Advocate of the Child Choose Your BattlesChoose Your Battles


Final Rule to Remember:Final Rule to Remember:

The Parent is Always Right Even The Parent is Always Right Even When the Parent is WrongWhen the Parent is Wrong

Promoting Promoting Relationships: Other Relationships: Other

TeachersTeachersIf the Others Teachers Don’t Like YouIf the Others Teachers Don’t Like You

Or Think You Don’t Fit In, You Probably Or Think You Don’t Fit In, You Probably Won’t Get HiredWon’t Get Hired

Promoting Relationships: Promoting Relationships: Other TeachersOther Teachers

Cooperation is the Key… Ask, “What Cooperation is the Key… Ask, “What Can I Do to Help?” Can I Do to Help?”

Always Be a Team PlayerAlways Be a Team Player Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for HelpDon’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help Don’t Overdo ItDon’t Overdo It It’s OK Your First YearIt’s OK Your First Year


If You Have a Problem, Go to the If You Have a Problem, Go to the Teacher FirstTeacher First

Go to Team LeaderGo to Team Leader

or Department Chair Nextor Department Chair Next Administrators are a Last Resort for Administrators are a Last Resort for

SERIOUS PROBLEMS ONLYSERIOUS PROBLEMS ONLY


Caution:Caution: When You Go to an When You Go to an Administrator With a Administrator With a

Concern/Complaint About a Fellow Concern/Complaint About a Fellow Teacher, You Burn a Bridge Teacher, You Burn a Bridge ForeverForever

Between You and That TeacherBetween You and That Teacher


Show Confidence and HumilityShow Confidence and Humility Choose Your BattlesChoose Your Battles Nobody Likes a Whiner!Nobody Likes a Whiner! Have Fun… Joke AroundHave Fun… Joke Around


Look at Your Team as Your FamilyLook at Your Team as Your Family

Dysfunctional or Otherwise Dysfunctional or Otherwise

Promoting Relationships:Promoting Relationships:AdministratorsAdministrators

Not All Administrators are EvilNot All Administrators are Evil


Interviews Work Both WaysInterviews Work Both Ways Get to Know Your AdministratorGet to Know Your Administrator What the Administrator Thinks is What the Administrator Thinks is

Important, YOU Think is ImportantImportant, YOU Think is Important Straight Lines, Lunch/Cafeteria Straight Lines, Lunch/Cafeteria

Behavior, Bulletin Boards, Messy Behavior, Bulletin Boards, Messy Desks, Recess Behavior, etc.Desks, Recess Behavior, etc.


The Administrator is Always Right Even The Administrator is Always Right Even When He’s WrongWhen He’s Wrong

Never Talk Bad About an Administrator Never Talk Bad About an Administrator Behind His BackBehind His Back

Choose Your BattlesChoose Your Battles Nobody Likes a Whiner!Nobody Likes a Whiner! Meet or Beat Principal Meet or Beat Principal

Timelines/DeadlinesTimelines/Deadlines


Be a “GO TO” or “GIVE ME THE BALL” Be a “GO TO” or “GIVE ME THE BALL” Person for Your AdministratorPerson for Your Administrator

Promoting Relationships:Promoting Relationships:Support Personnel Support Personnel

Love All Your Support Love All Your Support Personnel!Personnel!

Promoting Relationships:Promoting Relationships:Support PersonnelSupport Personnel

Love Your Office StaffLove Your Office Staff SecretarySecretary RegistrarRegistrar ReceptionistReceptionist MonitorsMonitors Cafeteria WorkersCafeteria Workers NurseNurse Paraprofessionals (instructional aides)Paraprofessionals (instructional aides)

Promoting Relationships:Promoting Relationships:Support PersonnelSupport Personnel

Love and Love and RESPECTRESPECT Your Custodial StaffYour Custodial Staff Hard Working and UnderpaidHard Working and Underpaid NEVER Put Down ANY Job!!!NEVER Put Down ANY Job!!!

““All people that work deserve respect. No job All people that work deserve respect. No job that is honestly carried out is so demeaning that is honestly carried out is so demeaning

that it would deny the worker who performs it that it would deny the worker who performs it the same and Equal respect that all who work the same and Equal respect that all who work

for a living should be given.”for a living should be given.”Kram Llahtneb, Kram Llahtneb,

““Tis a Pity I Have Not a Book”Tis a Pity I Have Not a Book”

Promoting Relationships:Promoting Relationships:Special Area TeachersSpecial Area Teachers

Promoting Relationships:Promoting Relationships:Special Area TeachersSpecial Area Teachers

Special Area Teachers are Special Area Teachers are TEACHERS!!! TEACHERS!!!

Never treat them like babysitters. Never treat them like babysitters. Never think their job does not involve Never think their job does not involve

teaching!!!teaching!!! Never question their time off verses Never question their time off verses

your time off (apples and oranges).your time off (apples and oranges). Arrive on time and PICK UP ON TIME!!!Arrive on time and PICK UP ON TIME!!!

Promoting Relationships:Promoting Relationships:Your FamilyYour Family

Always Remember:Always Remember:

You You DoDo Have a Life Outside of SchoolHave a Life Outside of School

Promoting Relationships:Promoting Relationships:Your FamilyYour Family

Family Always Comes FirstFamily Always Comes First Cherish Your Time TogetherCherish Your Time Together Get Their Support Get Their Support Your Teacher Shoes are Too Big for Your Teacher Shoes are Too Big for

Them to Walk InThem to Walk In Even Though You Can’t Turn it Off, Even Though You Can’t Turn it Off,

Turn it Off!!! Turn it Off!!! Nobody Likes a Whiner!Nobody Likes a Whiner!

Promoting a Healthy YOUPromoting a Healthy YOU

Take One Day at a Time, and Do Take One Day at a Time, and Do the Best You Can Dothe Best You Can Do

Don’t Get OverwhelmedDon’t Get Overwhelmed Realize That Things Realize That Things WillWill Get Done Get Done Keep Your Eyes on Keep Your Eyes on THE BIG THE BIG

PICTUREPICTURE Go Home at a Reasonable HourGo Home at a Reasonable Hour

Promoting a Healthy YOUPromoting a Healthy YOU

Even Though You Can’t Turn it Off, Even Though You Can’t Turn it Off, Turn it Off!!!Turn it Off!!!

Do Things For YourselfDo Things For Yourself Enjoy Your Summer… Regenerate!!!Enjoy Your Summer… Regenerate!!!

Promoting the Resolution Promoting the Resolution of Conflictof Conflict

Promoting the Resolution Promoting the Resolution of Conflictof Conflict

StudentsStudents ParentsParents Other TeachersOther Teachers AdministratorsAdministrators Support StaffSupport Staff Family and External CircumstancesFamily and External Circumstances

Avoiding and Resolving Conflict Avoiding and Resolving Conflict with Studentswith Students

Make Your Expectations Clear Make Your Expectations Clear Clear Behavior RulesClear Behavior Rules Clear Classwork/Homework RulesClear Classwork/Homework Rules Clear ConsequencesClear Consequences Be Fair Be Fair Be ConsistentBe Consistent Listen to ThemListen to Them


Let Them Know You CareLet Them Know You Care Let Them Know That Your Let Them Know That Your

Actions/Decisions are Actions/Decisions are AlwaysAlways Based Based on on What is Best for the StudentWhat is Best for the Student and/or and/or What is Best for the GroupWhat is Best for the Group

Sometimes you make a decision that Sometimes you make a decision that favors a student over the group.favors a student over the group.


Apathy is a Sign of NOT CaringApathy is a Sign of NOT Caring Separate the Child From His BehaviorSeparate the Child From His Behavior End on a Positive Note…End on a Positive Note…

“ “ Tucker, I’ve been chewing on you out Tucker, I’ve been chewing on you out here in the hall, but surely you know here in the hall, but surely you know how much I like you and care about how much I like you and care about

you.”you.”

Avoiding and Resolving Avoiding and Resolving Conflict with ParentsConflict with Parents

Smart Teachers Keep Their Parents Smart Teachers Keep Their Parents HappyHappy

An ANGRY Parent That Wants to An ANGRY Parent That Wants to Cause Trouble Can Cause a LOT of Cause Trouble Can Cause a LOT of Trouble!!!Trouble!!!

Modern Hierarchy of True Modern Hierarchy of True PowerPower

in School Systemin School System

STUDENTS

TEACHERS

PRINCIPALS

CENTRAL OFFICEADMINISTRATORS

SUPERINTENDENT

SCHOOLBOARD

PARENTS

STUDENTS

Avoiding and Resolving Conflict Avoiding and Resolving Conflict with Parentswith Parents

Communicate OftenCommunicate Often Listen and Show EmpathyListen and Show Empathy Be Professional Be Professional Know What You’re Saying/Make Sure Know What You’re Saying/Make Sure

You’re Right You’re Right Act in the Best Interest of the Child Act in the Best Interest of the Child Don’t Assign BlameDon’t Assign Blame

Avoiding and Resolving Conflict Avoiding and Resolving Conflict with Parentswith Parents

Work to Fix the Problem Work to Fix the Problem Choose Your BattlesChoose Your Battles Remember: The Parents are Always Remember: The Parents are Always

Right Even When They’re WrongRight Even When They’re Wrong Always End the Always End the

Conversation/Conference on a Positive Conversation/Conference on a Positive Note …Note …

““Tucker has managed to get in trouble every Tucker has managed to get in trouble every day this week, but the good news is... today day this week, but the good news is... today

is Friday!”is Friday!”

Avoiding and Resolving Avoiding and Resolving Conflict with Other Teachers Conflict with Other Teachers

Make Sure There Really Is a ProblemMake Sure There Really Is a Problem Never talk bad about a fellow Never talk bad about a fellow

educator to ANYONE! educator to ANYONE! Go to the Teacher and TalkGo to the Teacher and Talk Listen and Show EmpathyListen and Show Empathy Work to Fix the ProblemWork to Fix the Problem How Important Is It for You to be How Important Is It for You to be

Right?Right?

Avoiding and Resolving Conflict Avoiding and Resolving Conflict with Other Teacherswith Other Teachers

Sometimes You Can Win the Battle and Sometimes You Can Win the Battle and Lose the WarLose the War

Avoiding and Resolving Conflict Avoiding and Resolving Conflict with Other Teacherswith Other Teachers

Someone has to make the first Someone has to make the first move, why not you?move, why not you?

Sometimes as Sometimes as PEACEMAKERSPEACEMAKERS, we , we say we’re sorry when we’re not.say we’re sorry when we’re not.

Do this for the greater good!Do this for the greater good! Go to the Principal as a Last Go to the Principal as a Last

ResortResort

Avoiding and Resolving Conflict Avoiding and Resolving Conflict with Administrators with Administrators

ALWAYS Avoid Conflict With Your ALWAYS Avoid Conflict With Your Administrators!Administrators!

Remember You Are On ProbationRemember You Are On Probation Never Talk Bad About an Never Talk Bad About an

Administrator to ANYONE… Administrator to ANYONE… Especially Parents!!! Especially Parents!!!

If You Get Corrected by an If You Get Corrected by an Administrator, Apologize and Learn Administrator, Apologize and Learn from Your Mistakesfrom Your Mistakes

Avoiding and Resolving Conflict Avoiding and Resolving Conflict with Administratorswith Administrators

Administrators Don’t Expect You to Administrators Don’t Expect You to Be Perfect, But They Don’t Like Be Perfect, But They Don’t Like Telling You Something More Than Telling You Something More Than OnceOnce

If the Principal Gives You a If the Principal Gives You a DIRECTIVE, Follow It Immediately!DIRECTIVE, Follow It Immediately!

Failure to Follow a Directive is Failure to Follow a Directive is Grounds for DismissalGrounds for Dismissal

Choose Your BattlesChoose Your Battles


Don’t EVER Let a Disagreement Get Don’t EVER Let a Disagreement Get PersonalPersonal

When It Gets Personal Most When It Gets Personal Most Administrators Forgive, But Few ForgetAdministrators Forgive, But Few Forget

Going Above the Administrator’s Head Going Above the Administrator’s Head Almost Never WorksAlmost Never Works

In a True Conflict Situation, Sometimes In a True Conflict Situation, Sometimes the Best Solution is To Look For the Best Solution is To Look For Another SchoolAnother School


If You Apply at a New School, You Will If You Apply at a New School, You Will Need Your Current Principal’s Need Your Current Principal’s RecommendationRecommendation

Do this early!!! While you still have a Do this early!!! While you still have a job!job!

““You Will Be Lucky to Get Her to Work for You!”You Will Be Lucky to Get Her to Work for You!” Sandy Leibick,Sandy Leibick,

Retired AISD Retired AISD

PrincipalPrincipal


Remember: Most administrators are Remember: Most administrators are dedicated educators and conflicts with dedicated educators and conflicts with them occur them occur rarelyrarely..

Typically the people who have conflicts Typically the people who have conflicts with administrators are the same people with administrators are the same people who have conflicts with everybody else!who have conflicts with everybody else!

But if conflict But if conflict doesdoes occur, refer back to occur, refer back to the one about apologizing even though the one about apologizing even though youyou think you did nothing wrong! think you did nothing wrong!

Avoiding and Resolving Conflict Avoiding and Resolving Conflict with Support Staff with Support Staff

Don’t have conflicts with support Don’t have conflicts with support staff. staff. They work very hard for little pay and They work very hard for little pay and

don’t need the extra grief.don’t need the extra grief. If you’re having conflicts with the If you’re having conflicts with the

secretaries, monitors, cafeteria, or secretaries, monitors, cafeteria, or custodial staff, there’s a really good custodial staff, there’s a really good chance it’s chance it’s YOUR FAULT.YOUR FAULT.

Conflicts Involving FamilyConflicts Involving Familyand External Forces and External Forces

Don’t bring conflicts/problems at Don’t bring conflicts/problems at home to school with you.home to school with you.

Don’t bring down your whole family Don’t bring down your whole family with your problems at school.with your problems at school.

Never let your mood affect the way Never let your mood affect the way you teach.you teach.

911 (Our Teachers Were Great!)911 (Our Teachers Were Great!)

Conflicts Involving FamilyConflicts Involving Familyand External Forces and External Forces

Never take things out on your Never take things out on your students.students.

Teaching can be a way to get your Teaching can be a way to get your mind off your personal problems.mind off your personal problems.

Get in your ZONE.Get in your ZONE. Always put your family first!!!Always put your family first!!!

Avoiding and Resolving Conflict Avoiding and Resolving Conflict with ANYBODYwith ANYBODY

Easier said than done…Easier said than done…““Always remember that you CHOOSE to Always remember that you CHOOSE to

let people hurt you with their let people hurt you with their comments.comments.

No one can hurt you without your No one can hurt you without your permission. Sometimes you just need permission. Sometimes you just need to realize that the world is filled with to realize that the world is filled with idiots and every now and then you’ll idiots and every now and then you’ll

meet up with one.”meet up with one.”Kram LlathnebKram Llathneb

““Tis a Pity I Have No Book”Tis a Pity I Have No Book”

The The BESTBEST Piece of Advice Piece of Advice I Ever Learned at a I Ever Learned at a

WorkshopWorkshop

WHEN YOU ARE DEALING WITH WHEN YOU ARE DEALING WITH PEOPLE’S FEELINGS, ALWAYS PEOPLE’S FEELINGS, ALWAYS

REMEMBER THAT REMEMBER THAT REALITYREALITY HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH

HOW PEOPLE HOW PEOPLE FEELFEEL!!!!!!

Promoting the Promoting the ProfessionProfession


Get a Teaching Buddy Get a Teaching Buddy Ask Lots of Questions Ask Lots of Questions Attend Workshops and In-services Attend Workshops and In-services Volunteer to TEACH an In-service!!! Volunteer to TEACH an In-service!!! Join Professional OrganizationsJoin Professional Organizations Attend a RallyAttend a Rally


That’s That’s TEACHERTEACHER Rally… not BIKER Rally… not BIKER rally!rally!


Read Professional JournalsRead Professional Journals Check Out Teacher Blogs and Web Check Out Teacher Blogs and Web

SitesSites Spend 10-15 Minutes a Day on the Spend 10-15 Minutes a Day on the

Internet Internet There are literally hundreds of new There are literally hundreds of new

sites that appear each year.sites that appear each year. Send e-mails to all your teaching Send e-mails to all your teaching

buddies when you find a good one.buddies when you find a good one.

Promoting the Profession:Promoting the Profession:The Best Idea of AllThe Best Idea of All

If You See a Good Idea, STEAL If You See a Good Idea, STEAL IT!!!!IT!!!!


““ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT TEACHING IS AN ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT TEACHING IS AN ART. AN ARTIST DOESN’T DO A ART. AN ARTIST DOESN’T DO A

MASTERPIECE IN A DAY. DO WHAT YOU MASTERPIECE IN A DAY. DO WHAT YOU CAN, LITTLE BY LITTLE, DAY BY DAY UNTIL CAN, LITTLE BY LITTLE, DAY BY DAY UNTIL

THE TIME COMES FOR YOU DO THE THE TIME COMES FOR YOU DO THE HARDEST THING IMAGINABLE... TO PASS HARDEST THING IMAGINABLE... TO PASS

YOUR LABOR OF LOVE ON TO THE YOUR LABOR OF LOVE ON TO THE AWAITING HANDS OF THE NEXT ARTIST.”AWAITING HANDS OF THE NEXT ARTIST.”

Kram LlathnebKram Llathneb““Tis a Pity I Have No Book”Tis a Pity I Have No Book”

Developing Effective Developing Effective Communication SkillsCommunication Skills

Developing Effective Developing Effective Communication Skills Communication Skills

Always make your expectations clear.Always make your expectations clear. Never be vague, whether you’re talking to Never be vague, whether you’re talking to

students, parents, or fellow teachers.students, parents, or fellow teachers. The less wordy you can be about what you The less wordy you can be about what you

want, the better. KISS Rule applies!want, the better. KISS Rule applies! If you’re giving directions or assignments If you’re giving directions or assignments

to kids, write it on the board.to kids, write it on the board.


The best way to improve your The best way to improve your communication skills is to LISTEN to communication skills is to LISTEN to people!people!

Studies show that most of us don’t listen Studies show that most of us don’t listen very well.very well. We all tend to be thinking about We all tend to be thinking about what we will say next in any given what we will say next in any given conversation… or lesson.conversation… or lesson.

In arguments or disagreements, most In arguments or disagreements, most people simply want to feel heard more people simply want to feel heard more than they want you to agree with them.than they want you to agree with them.


Listening… (continued)Listening… (continued) Sometimes all it takes to calm down any Sometimes all it takes to calm down any

angry student, parent, or fellow teacher angry student, parent, or fellow teacher is for you to say, “I can tell you’re upset. is for you to say, “I can tell you’re upset. Please tell me all about it. I’m listening.”Please tell me all about it. I’m listening.”

Remember what someone says and what Remember what someone says and what people hear can be amazingly different. people hear can be amazingly different. Just ask any married person!!!Just ask any married person!!!


Always RESPOND, never REACT to Always RESPOND, never REACT to students, parents, fellow teachers, students, parents, fellow teachers, and administrators. Responding and administrators. Responding requires you to think before you requires you to think before you reply. Reacting is replying based reply. Reacting is replying based solely on feelings. Reacting can get solely on feelings. Reacting can get you fired!!! you fired!!!


When you are having a disagreement When you are having a disagreement with a student, parent, or fellow with a student, parent, or fellow teacher, look for common ground teacher, look for common ground instead of differences.instead of differences.

Never talk down or use sarcasm to Never talk down or use sarcasm to someone. You will have an almost someone. You will have an almost impossible task of establishing impossible task of establishing sincere communication afterwards sincere communication afterwards since the recipient won’t trust you. since the recipient won’t trust you.


OK to joke around in the classroom, but OK to joke around in the classroom, but kids must kids must clearlyclearly know your joking. know your joking.

Establishing a classroom climate of mutual Establishing a classroom climate of mutual trust and mutual respect so students will trust and mutual respect so students will know you care about them is the know you care about them is the bestbest way way to avoid misunderstandings.to avoid misunderstandings.

Effective communication is a skill and like Effective communication is a skill and like any skill it any skill it can and willcan and will improve with improve with practice. practice.


Provide many opportunities for kids Provide many opportunities for kids in the classroom to discuss and in the classroom to discuss and debate topics, and debate topics, and practicepractice communication. Choose stimulating communication. Choose stimulating topics in which there is no clear right topics in which there is no clear right or wrong answer. or wrong answer.

Developing Connectivity with Developing Connectivity with Challenging StudentsChallenging Students

Kelsey, Age 3


Every kid, no matter how unlikable, is Every kid, no matter how unlikable, is likeable.likeable.

Do NOT listen to other teachers.Do NOT listen to other teachers. Focus on the behavior, not the child.Focus on the behavior, not the child. Get to know the kid.Get to know the kid. Zero in on the common interests.Zero in on the common interests. Music, movies, foods, common dislike Music, movies, foods, common dislike

for assistant principal…for assistant principal…


On challenging students, avoid On challenging students, avoid confrontations!!!confrontations!!!

That’s what most want!!!That’s what most want!!! Resist the urge to play legality Resist the urge to play legality

games and exit the kid from your games and exit the kid from your class at the first possible chance.class at the first possible chance.

You might be the ONLY one keeping You might be the ONLY one keeping that kid from dropping out!that kid from dropping out!


Typically there’s reason for the kid to act Typically there’s reason for the kid to act out. We can’t always know why.out. We can’t always know why.

Accept the kid, but you can’t accept Accept the kid, but you can’t accept disrespect and/or harm to others.disrespect and/or harm to others.

Every time you discipline him let him know Every time you discipline him let him know that you truly care about HIM but you that you truly care about HIM but you can’t accept his behavior.can’t accept his behavior.

Once again, separate the kid from the Once again, separate the kid from the behavior.behavior.


Teaching is a job Teaching is a job filledfilled with with challenges… that’s what makes teaching challenges… that’s what makes teaching one of the best jobs in the world!one of the best jobs in the world!

A challenging student isn’t going to ruin A challenging student isn’t going to ruin your life, he or she will give PURPOSE to your life, he or she will give PURPOSE to your life!!!your life!!!

It’s all how you look at things!!!It’s all how you look at things!!!

Learning to ForgiveLearning to Forgive

Learning to Forgive Learning to Forgive

It is easier for some of us to forgive than It is easier for some of us to forgive than others.others.

A person’s ability to forgive is influenced by A person’s ability to forgive is influenced by his or her ethical, moral, and spiritual his or her ethical, moral, and spiritual upbringing. People who come from families upbringing. People who come from families where forgiveness is often practiced tend to where forgiveness is often practiced tend to be more forgiving than people who come be more forgiving than people who come from families where forgiveness is seldom from families where forgiveness is seldom offered. Teachers must realize that children offered. Teachers must realize that children come from all backgrounds and not be too come from all backgrounds and not be too quick to judge.quick to judge.

Learning to Forgive Learning to Forgive People can learn to forgive. People can learn to forgive. Most of us learn to forgive by first Most of us learn to forgive by first

receiving forgiveness. If a teacher wants receiving forgiveness. If a teacher wants to teach her students to forgive then she to teach her students to forgive then she must model forgiveness. Luckily most must model forgiveness. Luckily most teachers will get PLENTY of chances to do teachers will get PLENTY of chances to do this!this!

One of the most important “life lessons” I One of the most important “life lessons” I teach my kids is that we are all humans, teach my kids is that we are all humans, and humans make mistakes. and humans make mistakes.

It’s important that we learn from our It’s important that we learn from our mistakes and try not to repeat them.mistakes and try not to repeat them.

Learning to ForgiveLearning to Forgive

Sometimes it’s hard to forgive but Sometimes it’s hard to forgive but harboring negative feelings isn’t harboring negative feelings isn’t

healthy;healthy;

it can make you bitter and resentful it can make you bitter and resentful and affect your ability to trust others.and affect your ability to trust others.

Learning CreativityLearning Creativity


While some kids and adults tend While some kids and adults tend to be more creative than others, to be more creative than others, there are things you can do in there are things you can do in the classroom to foster creativity the classroom to foster creativity in your students… and also in in your students… and also in youyou..

Learning CreativityLearning Creativity Don’t get stuck in a rut. Don’t always Don’t get stuck in a rut. Don’t always

do spelling, social studies, math, etc. do spelling, social studies, math, etc. the same way.the same way.

Hair Gel Spelling ActivityHair Gel Spelling Activity Box of Spelling SandBox of Spelling Sand These two help KINESTHETIC LearnersThese two help KINESTHETIC Learners Social Studies Living MuseumSocial Studies Living Museum Draw a Map the Way Explorers DidDraw a Map the Way Explorers Did 4 Choices!4 Choices!

Learning CreativityLearning Creativity Teach the class how to play chessTeach the class how to play chess Studies show playing chess can help Studies show playing chess can help

organize your mindorganize your mind Improvement across the curriculumImprovement across the curriculum Learn along with the kidsLearn along with the kids Use a bulletin board and do one Use a bulletin board and do one

problem a dayproblem a day Let them think about the solution all Let them think about the solution all

morning… don’t be too quick to morning… don’t be too quick to answer problemsanswer problems

Hare Brain, Tortoise MindHare Brain, Tortoise Mind


Teachers who use a lot of non-Teachers who use a lot of non-traditional forms of assessment like traditional forms of assessment like portfolios, rubrics, journals, interviews, portfolios, rubrics, journals, interviews, creative performances, exhibitions, self creative performances, exhibitions, self and peer evaluations, etc. tend to be and peer evaluations, etc. tend to be more creative than teachers who more creative than teachers who regularly use traditional forms of regularly use traditional forms of assessment… i.e. the test that’s in your assessment… i.e. the test that’s in your TE.TE.


Plenty of books, workbooks, Internet Plenty of books, workbooks, Internet sites, educational journals, and a sites, educational journals, and a multitude of materials in libraries and multitude of materials in libraries and teacher book stores promote teacher book stores promote creativity.creativity.

The trick is finding the time to look The trick is finding the time to look for them.for them.

Spend 15 minutes a day looking for Spend 15 minutes a day looking for new ways to teach things.new ways to teach things.


What about GT kids?What about GT kids? Do the same creative activities for Do the same creative activities for

EVERYBODY in the room, not just the GT kids.EVERYBODY in the room, not just the GT kids. Kids LOVE IT when they can show up a GT Kids LOVE IT when they can show up a GT

kid… and they do! HUGE self-esteem builder.kid… and they do! HUGE self-esteem builder. When you do plenty of creative and GT When you do plenty of creative and GT

activities with everyone, it’s a win-win activities with everyone, it’s a win-win situation!situation!

Learning Creativity…Learning Creativity…Final ThoughtFinal Thought

What if you have a curriculum What if you have a curriculum that is spelled out for you? What that is spelled out for you? What if you MUST teach the same if you MUST teach the same thing everyone else in your thing everyone else in your team, grade level, district, etc. team, grade level, district, etc. teaches?teaches?

There are a LOT of restaurants There are a LOT of restaurants out there…out there…

They all serve the basic same They all serve the basic same things…things…

But it’s the But it’s the SPICESSPICES and and EXTRA INGREDIENTSEXTRA INGREDIENTS you add to the basic you add to the basic recipe that makes a recipe that makes a difference!difference!

Along with presentation!Along with presentation!

Developing MentoringDeveloping MentoringRelationshipsRelationships


Teachers Have ALWAYS Had Teachers Have ALWAYS Had Mentoring Relationships. Mentoring Relationships.

Socrates Socrates PlatoPlato Christ Christ PeterPeter Diego RiveraDiego Rivera Frida KahloFrida Kahlo Martin Luther KingMartin Luther King Jesse JacksonJesse Jackson Donald TrumpDonald Trump OmarosaOmarosa


Ask Your Principal for a Good Mentor.Ask Your Principal for a Good Mentor. A good mentor is committed to the A good mentor is committed to the

role of mentoring.role of mentoring. A good mentor is a model of A good mentor is a model of

continuous learning.continuous learning. A good mentor is accepting of the A good mentor is accepting of the

beginning teacher.beginning teacher. A good mentor communicates hope A good mentor communicates hope

and optimism.and optimism.


Get to know your mentor on both a Get to know your mentor on both a professional and personal level.professional and personal level.

Always show respect for your Always show respect for your mentor.mentor.

Always let the mentor know you are Always let the mentor know you are grateful for her time.grateful for her time.

Go to your mentor Go to your mentor oftenoften for advice. for advice.


Ask permission from your principal to Ask permission from your principal to watch your mentor teach.watch your mentor teach.

Be careful on this suggestion. Be careful on this suggestion. Another way is for you and your mentor Another way is for you and your mentor

to team teach a lesson together.to team teach a lesson together. Get your mentor’s advice on all kinds of Get your mentor’s advice on all kinds of

things, not just lesson design.things, not just lesson design. Parent Questions, Grading, Discipline, Parent Questions, Grading, Discipline,

etc.etc.


Send your mentor thank you notes, Send your mentor thank you notes, candies, flowers, etc. on a regular basis.candies, flowers, etc. on a regular basis.

Don’t act like a know-it-all for I assure you Don’t act like a know-it-all for I assure you that you do NOT know everything about that you do NOT know everything about teaching. None of us do.teaching. None of us do.

Some people (including new teachers) Some people (including new teachers) think that teaching is easy.think that teaching is easy.

The longer you teach the more you realize The longer you teach the more you realize how much more there is to learn.how much more there is to learn.


If your mentor acts like she’s too If your mentor acts like she’s too busy to help, or if he constantly busy to help, or if he constantly blows you off, then seek out blows you off, then seek out someone else to be your mentor.someone else to be your mentor.

A good mentoring relationship can A good mentoring relationship can and shouldand should last many years. last many years.

As you grow as a teacher, you will As you grow as a teacher, you will one day be asked to mentor others, one day be asked to mentor others, but never hesitate to call on your but never hesitate to call on your past mentors to discuss the ever past mentors to discuss the ever changing demands and challenges of changing demands and challenges of the teaching profession.the teaching profession.

Developing Relational Skills for Developing Relational Skills for the PDASthe PDAS


Do Do NOTNOT fear the PDAS. fear the PDAS. It’s an appraisal instrument not an It’s an appraisal instrument not an

affirmation instrument.affirmation instrument. It’s only a snapshot of your teaching.It’s only a snapshot of your teaching. You can change things on it after the You can change things on it after the

appraisal.appraisal.


If you get a choice of subjects or If you get a choice of subjects or classes of which the appraiser may classes of which the appraiser may observe, choose one with that allows observe, choose one with that allows for a variety of activities.for a variety of activities.

The more times your appraiser sees The more times your appraiser sees you going through the various steps you going through the various steps of the lesson, the better!of the lesson, the better! If you only have one activity and you fail If you only have one activity and you fail

to do something the appraiser to do something the appraiser thinksthinks is is important, then it’s a deduction. important, then it’s a deduction.

Sample Math Lesson for Sample Math Lesson for PDASPDAS

Quick Mental Math/Facts DrillQuick Mental Math/Facts Drill Problem Solving ActivityProblem Solving Activity Introduce the LessonIntroduce the Lesson Tie it to real world and to prior learningTie it to real world and to prior learning Use TECHNOLOGY if possibleUse TECHNOLOGY if possible Demonstrate the Skill (Direct Teach)Demonstrate the Skill (Direct Teach) Guided PracticeGuided Practice Walk around the room giving positive Walk around the room giving positive

feedback and assess understandingfeedback and assess understanding


Continue Guided Practice…Continue Guided Practice… Continue giving feedback. Make sure Continue giving feedback. Make sure

each childeach child in the room receives it. If in the room receives it. If someone doesn’t get the concept, then someone doesn’t get the concept, then quietly help him. You may need to gather quietly help him. You may need to gather a few children and give extra help after a few children and give extra help after the others begin their independent the others begin their independent practice.practice.

If more than a few “don’t get it” then do a If more than a few “don’t get it” then do a re-teach. Continue to repeat the re-teach re-teach. Continue to repeat the re-teach and guided practice process until most are and guided practice process until most are ready for independent practice.ready for independent practice.


When MOST Children Understand the When MOST Children Understand the Lesson, Begin Independent Practice.Lesson, Begin Independent Practice.

Before beginning independent practice Before beginning independent practice do a quick summary of the KEY do a quick summary of the KEY CONCEPTS… CONCEPTS…

““tell ‘em what you told ‘em.”tell ‘em what you told ‘em.” Help kids that need extra help and keep Help kids that need extra help and keep

checking on the progress of the others.checking on the progress of the others. Continue using positive feedback.Continue using positive feedback.


Remember to have extra Remember to have extra independent practice available for independent practice available for anyone who finishes early.anyone who finishes early.

You don’t want kids to finish and You don’t want kids to finish and have nothing to do before the 45 have nothing to do before the 45 minute observation period is over.minute observation period is over.

Remember to have answer keys for Remember to have answer keys for the independent practice ahead of the independent practice ahead of time.time.


Trying to think about all the steps on the Trying to think about all the steps on the PDAS can be overwhelming.PDAS can be overwhelming.

Just teach good lesson and don’t worry Just teach good lesson and don’t worry about it. In any good lesson you’re about it. In any good lesson you’re probably doing most of the steps probably doing most of the steps automatically.automatically.

Most administrators focus on what you are Most administrators focus on what you are doing RIGHT, not what you’re doing wrong.doing RIGHT, not what you’re doing wrong.


In fact, the PDAS is designed to In fact, the PDAS is designed to document you doing things right, not document you doing things right, not catch you doing things wrong!catch you doing things wrong!

The more right things the appraiser The more right things the appraiser sees, the better your score.sees, the better your score.

Consider the PDAS as one more tool Consider the PDAS as one more tool to help you grow as a teacher.to help you grow as a teacher.


Final PDAS Thoughts…Final PDAS Thoughts… In reality, teachers are ALMOST NEVER In reality, teachers are ALMOST NEVER

dismissed because of a bad appraisal.dismissed because of a bad appraisal. Typically the administrator Typically the administrator has has

already decidedalready decided a bad teacher needs a bad teacher needs to go and uses the PDAS as a way to to go and uses the PDAS as a way to document and support her decision.document and support her decision.

If you are striving to do your best and If you are striving to do your best and have a bad appraisal, the principal will have a bad appraisal, the principal will work with you.work with you.

Ways to KnowWays to Know

Your PDAS is Going Your PDAS is Going BadlyBadly

Mark Benthall, 2007

#10- Principal’s snoring makes it #10- Principal’s snoring makes it hard for the kids to do their hard for the kids to do their independent practice.independent practice.

#9- After explaining the lesson on #9- After explaining the lesson on the board, you turn around to find 4 the board, you turn around to find 4 kids at back table playing high stakes kids at back table playing high stakes poker.poker.

#8- Principal stops appraisal to join #8- Principal stops appraisal to join poker game.poker game.

#7- Principal laughs hysterically #7- Principal laughs hysterically every time you say the word “rubric.”every time you say the word “rubric.”

#6- You make a spelling mistake on #6- You make a spelling mistake on the board… the word was the board… the word was CAT.CAT.

#5- Your idea of two good math #5- Your idea of two good math manipulatives are razor blades and manipulatives are razor blades and broken glass.broken glass.

#4- During appraisal principal rifles #4- During appraisal principal rifles through your desk and discovers half through your desk and discovers half empty bottle of Jim Beam.empty bottle of Jim Beam.

#3- Principal realizes it’s the same #3- Principal realizes it’s the same bottle of Jim Beam that was recently bottle of Jim Beam that was recently stolen from stolen from hishis desk. desk.

#2- Midway through appraisal principal #2- Midway through appraisal principal realizes that picture of new boyfriend on realizes that picture of new boyfriend on your desk is her ex-husband.your desk is her ex-husband.

And the NUMBER ONE way to know your And the NUMBER ONE way to know your PDAS is going badly…PDAS is going badly…

#1- Principal has massive heart attack in #1- Principal has massive heart attack in the middle of the appraisal and with one the middle of the appraisal and with one final heroic effort completes the final heroic effort completes the evaluation and recommends your evaluation and recommends your dismissal.dismissal.

Developing First Year Survivor Developing First Year Survivor SkillsSkills

#1 Thing to #1 Thing to Remember:Remember:

TRY TO NOT GET TRY TO NOT GET YOURSELF YOURSELF VOTED OFF VOTED OFF THE ISLANDTHE ISLAND


Get to know your librarian. She can Get to know your librarian. She can recommend a plethora of books and recommend a plethora of books and resource materials… including items from resource materials… including items from her professional development section.her professional development section.

Get that teaching buddy!Get that teaching buddy! Spend a LOT of time going over Spend a LOT of time going over

procedures, rules, and routines the first procedures, rules, and routines the first few weeks of school.few weeks of school.

Extra time spent at the beginning of the Extra time spent at the beginning of the year will be less hassles at the middle and year will be less hassles at the middle and end of the year.end of the year.


Get control of your class from day one.Get control of your class from day one. Kids are always boundary testing. Kids are always boundary testing.

They will get away with as much as They will get away with as much as they they cancan get away with. get away with.

Have discipline, but don’t be a BEE-Have discipline, but don’t be a BEE-ACH about it!ACH about it!

You can set limits. I tell my kids we You can set limits. I tell my kids we laugh and cut up more than any other laugh and cut up more than any other class, but we also work harder than class, but we also work harder than any other class!!!any other class!!!


Don’t work at getting kids to like you. Don’t work at getting kids to like you. If you like them and treat them fairly If you like them and treat them fairly and with respect, they will like you.and with respect, they will like you.

Remember: be their teacher, not their Remember: be their teacher, not their big brother or big sister. Or their High big brother or big sister. Or their High School buddy.School buddy.

Don’t let the smoozers get away with Don’t let the smoozers get away with anything. Same rules for everybody!!!anything. Same rules for everybody!!!

GET STUDENT HELPERS!!!GET STUDENT HELPERS!!!


Take one day at a time. Give it 100% and Take one day at a time. Give it 100% and then go home.then go home.

DON’T take tons of work home with you. DON’T take tons of work home with you. Some teachers have giant carts they lug Some teachers have giant carts they lug

back and forth each day. In ancient days back and forth each day. In ancient days we called these people we called these people martyrsmartyrs. They . They LOVE to moan and complain about how LOVE to moan and complain about how much work they have to do at home each much work they have to do at home each night. Work faster/smarter and go home night. Work faster/smarter and go home without the cart.without the cart.


Some teachers equate the quality of their Some teachers equate the quality of their teaching with how much homework they teaching with how much homework they give, i.e. good teachers give lots of give, i.e. good teachers give lots of homework. homework. ROOKIE MISTAKE!!!ROOKIE MISTAKE!!!

Try DOING your own homework sometime.Try DOING your own homework sometime. It’s not quantity, but quality.It’s not quantity, but quality. Homework reinforces what you do in the Homework reinforces what you do in the

classroom; it’s not meant to take on it’s classroom; it’s not meant to take on it’s own life.own life.


Never use homework as a punishment.Never use homework as a punishment. Never take homework away as a Never take homework away as a

reward.reward. You either need it or you don’t. If you You either need it or you don’t. If you

don’t really need it, and could easily don’t really need it, and could easily take it away… then you shouldn’t have take it away… then you shouldn’t have been giving it in the first place.been giving it in the first place.

Homework should be formative Homework should be formative assessment… so let the kids do things assessment… so let the kids do things over if they mess up on a homework over if they mess up on a homework assignment.assignment.


Realize that we all learn at different Realize that we all learn at different rates.rates.

What’s important is that learning What’s important is that learning should occur.should occur.

If someone doesn’t understand how If someone doesn’t understand how to divide on March 5to divide on March 5thth, but does on , but does on March 8March 8thth, why won’t you let him redo , why won’t you let him redo the March 5the March 5thth assignment… assignment… if he if he wants towants to??


““Don’t chisel grades in stone. Don’t chisel grades in stone. Save the stone for when you Save the stone for when you

start writing your own start writing your own teaching commandments.teaching commandments.””

Kram LlahnebKram Llahneb““I Really Need a Book to Sell in the Lobby”I Really Need a Book to Sell in the Lobby”


You WILL have different levels and You WILL have different levels and abilities in your room… teach to the abilities in your room… teach to the TOP.TOP.

Every child can get it. Don’t ever dumb Every child can get it. Don’t ever dumb a lesson down. It will take more work to a lesson down. It will take more work to teach to the top, but that’s what you get teach to the top, but that’s what you get the big bucks for.the big bucks for.

Always remember: they don’t pay the Always remember: they don’t pay the kids to adapt to your teaching style; kids to adapt to your teaching style; they pay YOU to adapt to their learning they pay YOU to adapt to their learning styles.styles.


Never be afraid to try new things.Never be afraid to try new things. Don’t let the fact that you don’t know Don’t let the fact that you don’t know

how to do something keep you from how to do something keep you from doing it!doing it!

Learn with the kids. Always…Learn with the kids. Always…

Not the End, The Not the End, The BEGINNINGBEGINNING

““May you all touch the lives of May you all touch the lives of children in very special ways. May children in very special ways. May you find the joy in teaching that I you find the joy in teaching that I have found all these years. May have found all these years. May

you find a tiny bit of wisdom in my you find a tiny bit of wisdom in my words. May you start off better words. May you start off better

prepared than I ever was. May you prepared than I ever was. May you grow and bloom and make this grow and bloom and make this

world a better place just for having world a better place just for having lived. May you all find a job.”lived. May you all find a job.”

Kram LlahtnebKram Llahtneb,,““How’d I Do?” How’d I Do?”

real world (shortened)

Health & Medicine

relationships students

teachers administrators

teachers dont

teachers cooperation

teachers caution

administrator thinks

help dont

classroom of trust