HOW TO BE LEGIT TEACHER: TEACHER TIP #6

 

Grow your PLN!!!

This tip has kept me going on the toughest of days in this profession. On days when I really couldn't express my frustrations to anyone, my PLN helped me  return to a more grounded place.

 Having a PLN is beneficial for so many reasons. For me, the support system is a major reason for having and growing a PLN, but the benefits extend far beyond support. PLNs are a great way to gain resources to use in your classroom. Resources come in the form of actual activities, ideas, and actual people who are more than willing to lend a helping hand in whatever way they can. I have learned so much from my PLN, I couldn't imagine my teacher life without them. 

My PLN helps me in working towards one of my teacher goals which is to be a world class educator! I want to be the absolute best! I want to bring perspectives to my students that require me to extend beyond the cultures represented in this country. My PLN helps with this. There are several teachers in my PLN who teach in different countries around the world. I love having them in my teacher tribe, because it gives me the opportunity to take a look into education in other countries. What are these countries doing differently? What can I learn from them? The amazing thing about a PLN is that it removes the limits from collaboration among the teachers in your building. If the only teachers you collaborate with are the ones at your school, you are missing out! 

If you're looking to expand your teacher tribe, I hope this tip will encourage you to take the plunge. In my opinion the quickest way to do this is through social media! Yes, social media! In my third year of teaching I took the plunge into online Professional Development (I'll blog about that later), and from there my PLN was established. I'd suggest creating a professional twitter account that will allow you to establish your PLN. Here are a few of the hashtags I follow: #bfc530 #tlap #kidsdesrveit #4thchat #engagechat and #satchat 

If you have questions about taking the plunge or want to know the logistics of setting up a twitter account feel free to email me at thelegitteacher@gmail.com

I'd love to help you get started. 

If you're already on twitter I'd love to add you to my tribe. Share your twitter handle and I'll be sure to follow. My handle is, you guessed it..... @thelegitteacher ! I hope this tip helps!

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How to be a legit teacher: Teacher tip # 5

Today's teacher tip is brought to you by Jason! Jason describes himself as funny, and smart. He loves playing games and Reading is his favorite subject. Jason is also one of the recipients of this year's Young Authors Award. He's a real scholar! 

Jason's teacher tip is this: "Never give up!"

This is the perfect teacher tip for this time of year. This wonderful profession brings its own set of challenges with it. Teaching can be tough! It certainly isn't the profession for the weak! It takes a strong person with great patience to teach and mold young minds. Whenever I have those moments where I'm just exhausted and ready to throw in the towel. I remember why I chose this profession in the first place. I think of all my students, and how they are counting on me, and I remind myself of Jason's tip to never give up!

 Now check out this all around LEGIT kid, he snowboards, plays baseball, and writes amazing essays!

 Thanks for the tip Jason!

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How to be a legit teacher: teacher tip # 4

Today's teacher tip is brought to you by Jayden! Jayden describes himself as active, intelligent, and creative.  He loves sports and enjoys playing football and basketball. He is quite the All-Star Athlete.


Jayden's tip for teachers is this: "Treat students with respect."

 Jayden is on to something with this excellent piece of advice. As teachers we must remember that our students are human, and have hearts. They have a keen sense of authenticity, and can tell when they are not respected by others. I know every teacher out there pushes for students to show respect to you, and to each other, but let's not forget that our students deserve our respect too! Now I know there may be some who feel that respect is "earned and not given", but I respectfully disagree. I admonish you to take Jayden's advice and make sure that you treat each of your students with the highest level of respect possible.

Aretha sang it best, R-E-S-P-E-C-T!  

(click the link to enjoy her tune)

 

Now check out this LEGIT athlete and scholar!

Thanks for the tip Jayden!

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How to be a legit teacher: Teacher Tip # 3

Today's teacher tip is brought to you by Kiana!

Kiana is athletic and smart. Her favorite subject is writing (that may or may not be my favorite subject too). She loves playing soccer, and is developing into an amazing soccer player, I know this because I've watched her since last year. She's got game!

Kiana's tip for teachers is this: "Keep kids papers' in their individual mailboxes."


It's no surprise that Kiana chose to share this tip with teachers. She is quite the organized 4th grader!
 Kiana's tip is all about organization and efficiency. As teachers, we handle lots of papers within the course of a day. It is important to have a system in place to ensure every paper reaches its proper destination. In our class we use individual mailboxes. Do yourself a favor, and just buy these. Don't think twice about it, just do it! You will be happy that you did. I ordered mine from Office Depot (love that place).

I have a student that puts papers in mailboxes, and each student checks their mailbox at the end of the day. Once your students get accustomed to having a mailbox, this little system will run itself like clock work! I have had these mailboxes since the start of my career, and they are still in pretty decent shape so the investment is well worth it.

Now check out Kiana in action. Her soccer skills are LEGIT!

Thanks for the tip Kiana!

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How to be a legit teacher: Teacher Tip # 2

Today's teacher tip is brought to you by Chloe. 

Chloe's friends describe her as helpful, grateful, and smart. Math and Reading are her favorite subjects. She couldn't pick just one!! When Chloe isn't busy solving Math problems and reading books, she enjoys music!

Chloe's tip for teachers is this: "Make your kids happy."

I absolutely love this tip. If kids are happy they are in the perfect position to learn new things. Classroom environment directly impacts the learning process. If you want your students to learn, you must make sure they are happy, and excited about being in your class.
Teachers, we are responsible for setting the tone, and establishing a positive class culture. Happiness, excitement, positive vibes, love and laughter are key components to a successful learning experience.
The academic payoff is well worth the investment in our students' emotions.
I stand in agreement with Chloe, and encourage all teachers to make your students' happiness a priority every single day!

Now click the video to check out Chloe's LEGIT music skills!

Thanks for the tip Chloe!

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How to be a LEGIT Teacher: Teacher Tip #1

The very first teacher tip is brought to you by 23 of the most amazing students in the world, okay maybe I'm a little biased. My 4th grade class has a tip for you, and I think every teacher should read this.
The most important things that students need from their teachers are love, respect, honesty, knowledge, and guidance.
I couldn't agree with them more. Before we carry out the business of teaching content, students need to know we care. It's about relationships first and foremost, that's the best tip you'll ever get in this profession.

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Welcome to My Blog

Thanks for visiting my blog! My hope is that this blog will inspire you to teach with great urgency and passion!

If you have questions about any post that you see, please e-mail me at thelegitteacher@gmail.com.
While you're here, go ahead and follow all of my social media pages, and tell a teacher friend!

                                                                                                                                 

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