As a resource for school leaders, parent groups and educators, we at VolunteerSpot love to share inspiring content from wonderful teachers around the country. Don't miss this piece, originally published on TexasPrinciple.org by 5th grade teacher, Todd Nesloney. Read an excerpt below and the entire piece here.
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It Takes One
By: Todd NesloneyI have always been a firm believer that every one of us holds the power to dramatically impact a life. As educators, we have that unique opportunity to impact many lives, and every year that impact grows drastically. Whether you teach kindergarten students, coach Jr. High kids, answer the phones in the office, or clean the floors, you have the opportunity to change a life.
I know we’ve all heard how important of an impact educators have on kids. Sometimes though I feel we forget the power we possess as teachers. The power to change lives. Sometimes we don’t get to see the impact we’ve had until many years later. Sometimes we don’t ever get to hear about or see the impact we’ve made. As a new school year approaches, I felt now was a good time to remind ourselves and to prepare ourselves to change lives.
How can we do that? How can we change a life? Well here are a few things that I’ve found really make a difference with kids...
Don’t be afraid to show your “kid” side.We all have a playful side. A side that we’re definitely afraid to show in public. Don’t be afraid to show that side in your classroom or school. Sometimes we just need to let loose and act silly with our kids and show them that there are times that it’s ok to be a little silly. It gives your students another perspective on who their teacher is.
Find what they’re passionate about and bring that into the class/school.This one is huge. To be an educator that impacts students you have to have your finger somewhat on the pulse of what is “cool” to them. Take the time to find out what they like to do for fun or what sport they like to play. For boys, bringing in problems with their sports heroes is always huge! Find out what music they like to listen to or some of their favorite artists. Download a few songs and play them in class (the appropriate songs of course). Kids light up when they hear a song they know playing in class, and many times they work even harder on things when music they enjoy is playing in the background.
Click to read the rest of this amazing post . . .
About the Author:
Todd has been teaching at Fields Store Elementary for 6 years now. He worked two years teaching Science and Math in fourth grade and has spent the last 4 years teaching 5th grade math and social studies. He is currently “Flipping” his classroom and finding great success in thinking outside the box. Todd is passionate about instilling a sense of learning and inspiring his students to be the best they can possibly be. Todd is extremely active on Twitter, is a co-founder of EdCampWaller, and also a co-founder of “The 3 Tech Ninjas”, which is a training company for teachers to learn how to bring more tech into their classrooms. Todd is a SMART Exemplary Educator, Star Discovery Educator , Flipped Class Certification Teacher for Sophia.org, part of the Remind101 Advisory Board, and one of the National School Board Associations “20 To Watch”.
Follow on Twitter: @TechNinjaTodd
Website: tnesloney.wix.com/math
Blog: nesloneyflipped.blogspot.com
Email: [email protected]
Tech Ninja Website: www.the3techninjas.org
Tech Ninja Facebook: www.facebook.com/thetechninjas
EdCampWaller: http://edcamp.wikispaces.com/edcampwaller
