Teachers' Top Learning Moments of 2011-12

Members of the Teacher Leaders Network have recently been discussing the most important lessons they’ve learned during this school year. Below are some of the reflections they have shared on the TLN virtual community. For more lessons learned, read "What Teacher Leaders Learned This School Year," an essay on Education Week Teacher.

The data doesn't always tell the whole story. I witnessed a small miracle this year when a student finally started to write, using sounds and simple words. On the data report to the district, she will continue to be labeled a red [failing to meet benchmark] learner because she is not where the other first graders are. But she and I know that she has come a long way from where she started. –Jane, first grade, CA

Though I have always maintained a determined optimism, I did not realize the extent to which I allowed my geographic location to limit my imagination.  Our vital virtual community broadens my understanding of myself as a professional and of my place in our wider education community.  --Lauren, English and technology, KY

To be successful in school, students need three essential factors. The perfect recipe for success at any level includes a positive relationship with the teacher, at least one good friend, and subject content that engages and motivates the child.   --Donna, fourth and fifth grades, OR

Communication is the key to building trusting relationships. And trusting relationships are essential to teaching and learning. --Gail, instructional coach, VA

Talk less and question deliberately. I'm a talker, so not the easiest for me." What can I do to help?" has been one of my most rewarding questions. --Delonna, fourth grade, WA

The book The Laws of Simplicity provided the best lessons I learned this year. It’s available as a free PDF and can be read in one evening. The author, John Maeda, recommends using your "BRAIN" in teaching: Begin with basics, Repeat a lot, Avoid causing desperation, Inspire with examples, Never forget to repeat a lot. –Sandy, eighth grade engineering and algebra, AZ

We're all in this together. Even though I have always felt a certain "go team!" camaraderie with teachers at my school, I didn't think much about what was happening outside my building. We owe it to our students to do everything in our power to help them succeed—and that means collaborating with and supporting other teachers! –Ali, high school math, KY

Teachers are the strongest people I know. New evaluations, new curriculum standards, new assessments? Teachers meet each new challenge head on and continue to do what's best for the children in their classrooms. –Cindi, regional education facilitator, NC

More learning and collaboration take place outside the school day.  With school hours becoming more hectic, it's often not until I'm in the car or at home that I have time to reflect and make plans for subsequent days. –Susie, media specialist, IN

Say less than you think. –Steve, music, VT

Have my AP students correct their errors for partial credit.  This way the exams serve not only as a measure of what they know but also as an instrument of self-correcting their misunderstandings. –Kenneth, government, MD

Teachers are the leaders of our classrooms. We empower students to take charge of their own learning by giving them the tools and respect they need to succeed. This elevates us all as we teach and learn while building our nation's future together. --Maryann, high school Spanish, NJ

I teach for my students–not for my admin team, district, state, standards, assessment results, evaluations, recognition, or pay. –Buffy, science, KY

Integrate technology when you can, and when it doesn't work, pull out the backup plans. Or... if teachers don't know how to integrate technology into curriculum, have the kids do it for them. –Karl, science, AZ

Teamwork between teachers and parents is my most powerful tool to help students succeed in school.  One of my students started the year violent, defiant, and a severe disruption to instruction. He is incredibly bright and loves school, and now has become one of my star students. This happened because I was able to communicate effectively with his parents that he doesn't need punishment—he needs boundaries, positive reinforcement, and a routine. –Cheryl, kindergarten, CA

Responsibility, not accountability, makes a good teacher. I decided I had to move beyond the way legislators and others who didn't know anything about teaching thought should be evaluated. I went back to what was most important: instilling in myself, my students, and those around me a sense of communal responsibility for teaching and learning. –Cathy, social studies, FL

Given the opportunity to engage in mathematical discourse, students can positively impact their own learning, as well as mine.  Typically, the teacher is front and center and all learning is dependent on his or her ability to distribute knowledge. Yet as I relinquished control, the students began discussing and interacting on an academic level. –Tim, high school math, NC

Some years are better than others. Last year was one of the worst of my 31 years. I've learned that some folks love being with kids all day and make them their priority, and some, sadly, don't. At the end of the day, it's all about hope: knowing some years will be tough and others will be the kind where you wake up and can't wait to come to school. –Laurie, middle school special needs, MA