Last week I had the privilege to attend the 2014 AMLE conference in Nashville, Tennessee. It was an amazing experience and I learned so much. In fact, I am still going through my notes and researching all of the amazing things I learned. I saw Dave Burgess, the author of Teach Like a Pirate, Kim Campbell, the creator of the SOAR program, Grace Dearborn, and many more. I walked away so very motivated to share the strategies that I learned and to also incorporate things into my role as an Instructional Specialist.
Some of the great sayings I noted were....
- "If the butt goes numb, the brain goes dumb!" - Kim Campbell
- "Find something more to be concerned about then a test score." - Dave Burgess
- "It's not supposed to be easy [teaching], it is supposed to be worth it!" - Dave Burgess
Another thing that I heard, not from a session that I attended, but from the recap from one of my colleagues was this..... QTIP.
Quit
Taking
It
Personally
This has been rolling through my mind all night. I think that this is something that needs to be put out there.
Teachers need to QUIT TAKING IT PERSONALLY!
I recently overheard a conversation about students being tardy or absent. After listening for what seemed like a long time, it hit me! The anger and annoyance were fueled by her taking it personally that students are absent or tardy. It is so bizarre to me to hear teachers be upset with children.....CHILDREN....when they are tardy or absent. Why not just value the the time you have with that student? Why not make the most of that time with that student? Kids don't want to be late...it is out of their control!
I beg of you....if this post makes you think....GREAT....if you know someone who needs the tip QTIP, give it to them.
Next time a child walks into a classroom late, greet them with a smile, tell them you are so glad to see them. Make their day, make them smile, make them feel safe!
