Taking A Leap
I dove into teaching,
this my first year, leaving behind a life as a new construction plumber
and fully recovered from a traumatic brain injury. The major payoff
for me was having the ability to enrich children's lives EMOTIONALLY and EDUCATIONALLY. This blog will explore the many adventures that coincide with my experiences in teaching!
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Experience is Education
Throughout this year, there has been one reoccurring theme.....Within a shared experience comes astonishing, unexpected, life-changing learning.
What doesn't surprise me is that this learning is shared between
children and their peers or that this learning is exchanged between
teacher and students or students and teacher. What really strikes me is
the ways in which every student is provided the opportunity to step out
of their comfort zone and TAKE A RISK!
These
risks have many different faces and can mean something different for
each individual student. Whether it's simply working or being part of a
group for a student with special needs, or exploring nature safely and
comfortably for a child that has previously only spent time in the
city. It can also provide leadership opportunities for individuals that
find the confines of a classroom stifling. Lastly, it can celebrate
diversity and ultimately give glimpses into the many paths ones life can
take.
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Teachers, Take a Risk!
I
admit, there are certainly many challenges that we encounter as
educators throughout the school year. Each of these challenges can
easily become an excuse for not seeking out these unique experiences
that enrich a students education and most importantly their life. I
live life with passion and I encourage my students So, how can we avoid
these pitfalls?
1. Know your student
This seems simple enough right? Yet, just when I think I've learned
about everything there is to know about a student BAM... They come to me
with something completely unique and interesting.
2. Build A Positive Team
I know for sure that some of the experiences that my class has
participated is the direct result of an idea that has come from within
the teaching team I am a part of. Our team is full of support and
positivity. We have also owned up to each our strengths and weaknesses,
giving us all the ability to feel successful.
3. Stay Connected
The world we live in is increasingly connected through the various
forms of social media. It is our duty to continually search out
authors, musicians, artists, and the limitless organizations that can
provide a unique learning experience for our students. This can be as
simple as setting up a class twitter account or as challenging as
writing a grant. Just put yourself out there and TAKE A RISK!
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Everyday
I set out to live my life full of positivity, kindness and compassion
towards others, and to fully experience the breadth of experiences life
gives us. Let's take our learning outside the classroom. Let's break
down sterotypes. Let's teach our students to seek out and conquer every
opportunity life has.
Take a risk.
Start today.
Don't look back.
Chad Kurtyka
@MrKurtykasClass
