August 9, 2009
As I mentioned before, I was enthralled and challenged mightily by this book. (On a related note, and you can argue with me on this one, I seem to be developing a quick basic litmus test when it comes to decent pedagogy: Would whatever I am planning work with a boy in poverty?)
Here, in order of presentation in the book, are the fifteen characteristics of star teachers Haberman has identified. They’re a touch sloppy and overlapping– concision is not one of Haberman’s strong points– but valuable nonetheless. I’ll cut corners for you in future posts where needed as I reflect on them. Get out your notebooks, kids:
Persistence
Protecting Learners and Learning
Generalizations: Putting Ideas into Practice
Approach to “At-Risk” Children
Professional-Personal Orientation to Students
The Care and Feeding of the Bureaucracy
Fallability
Emotional and Physical Stamina
Organizational Ability
Effort– Not Ability
Teaching– Not Sorting
Convincing Students, “I Need You Here”
You and Me Against the Material
Gentle Teaching in a Violent Society
When Teachers Face Themselves
You’ll note right away that some of these are descriptive, while others are prescriptive: I’ll try to sort that out for you as we go along as well. Hoping to post once every 7-10 days on average.
For now: What are your initial thoughts on what you see here? Questions? Connections to your own practice?
August 10th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Hi,
Alfie Kohn quotes from Marylin Watson’s book in his article Unconditional teaching. The title is called ‘ learning to trust ‘ about inner city kids. Relationship which fosters trust is the basis for successful teaching and learning.
For teachers who need more of the ‘how’ I recommend ‘Lost at School ‘ by Ross Greene – CPS collaborative problem solving in schools
The model focuses on helping children identify their concerns and put them on the table , then putting teachers concerns on the table , defining the problem and only then looking for mutually satisfying solutions . Besides addressing concerns a teacher often will have to look at the missing cognitive skills that a child may lack – the philosophy children do well if they can. CPS addresses both the child’s concerrns , promotes life skills and relationship
Allan
check Http://thinkkids.org
August 10th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Hi Dina,
I have been reading Haberman’s book this summer and have just read the article you referred us to in the Washington Post about another young teacher leaving the profession. Both touch me and are deeply thought provoking. I have also indulged myself with Parker Palmer’s book, the Courage to Teach. Wow.
For all of you teachers, I grieve the apparent loss of the public’s genuine recognition of the endless dedication and passion teachers put forth daily, often under difficult and thankless situations to help create a better world. Most teachers start as visionaries, just as most children start life as avid learners.
I have a life-long gratitude for teachers. It helps that I come from a lineage of teachers, principals, college professors etc. More importantly, however, because of being extremely abused as a child, I KNOW the comfort, inspiration and life enhancing qualities my teachers gave to me daily.
Yes, it is true. I drew from their love and dedication and they never even knew my secret life of thrashings, humiliation and rejection. Fearing going home each day took most of my strength, attention and courage. It had a profound affect on my learning efficiency. I am sure my teachers intuitively sensed something was wrong, but my parents were “upstanding” people in the church and community. You get the picture. I kept the secrets. Still, my teachers helped save my life.
All of that said, I do want to throw out one idea for you and all teachers preparing to go back into the classroom. Just for NOW, (and all we can truly live, remember, is NOW) let yourself breathe in joy, wonder and hope that is both fun and necessary to feel as it fuels your energy. Those feelings are begging to be honored and will help you keep your vision.
I know this sounds “soft or fluffy” but my experience leads me to believe that ultimately what we focus on is what occupies our attention. We then move in the direction of our attention. (Notice how you steer the car in the direction of your focus.) It is a great metaphor for steering our lives through creating our momentary realities. And moments add up. Moments that we create for the better or for the worse accumulate to become our tomorrows.
The one way I know of to keep going in tough times and situations is learning the art of mindfulness. Mindfulness is a state of awareness that inspires attention to your wisest intentions , , , those that allow both you and your students to evolve together by learning from each other.
Although this does not sound intellectual for those of us who value the brilliance of the brain, or scientific for those of us beholden to provable data . . . it is, I believe, still wise. There is plenty of knowledge out there for all of us, but wisdom is what unites us as humans and provides another way of Knowing. And for us, just like for our children, when we live inspired lives we are motivated from the inside out. It keeps us going. It keeps us curious. It keeps us united.
I follow your frustrations, your dreams (both the new and broken ones) and your inquiry into things that matter with deep compassion. I follow your love for learning and teaching and your focus on each child with a sense of hope and love.
I wish for you a year filled with awareness of your deepest wisdom and that you will laugh as often as possible.
From my heart to years, I send a thank you and my best wishes.
Margie
August 12th, 2009 at 11:18 am
Dina,
I haven’t read the book, but I question “You and Me Against the Material”. While I agree that the student and the teacher should be exploring and learning together, there is something with the wording “against” that is rubbing me the wrong way.
I look forward to your future posts on this text.
August 15th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
Re: Margie- Thank you for your kind words; it is easy, isn’t it, to miss the glorious possibilities of a new day
Thank you, also, for sharing your story- Kim L.