Pulled in Many Directions

Classroom teachers are pulled in many directions.  I've written about this many times.  There's committee work, multiple leaders' initiatives, student needs and interests, standards, curriculum programs, and more. All of these initiatives and needs can serve as a forceful tide to nowhere if you're not cognizant of the pull's weight and the need to choose the direction that matters.

What matters most in schools is student learning--that's what we're there for.  We teach so that we can give students the best possible gift of education--an education that is engaging, forward-moving, rich, and broad.

How do we make this happen?

1. Stay true to a solid weekly routine--a routine that meets the most important student needs and interests.
2. Don't overbook yourself with regard to outside initiatives and efforts--keep time for the important work related to student learning. 
3. Find a professional learning network near or far that serves to support, encourage, and develop your knowledge and efforts. Contribute to and learn from that community.
4. Assess, adapt, create, and implement continuously in an effort to teach children well. 
5. Evaluate opportunities before signing on to make sure the work supports the primary objective: teaching children well.

Teachers need to work together to make the time and efforts to teach children well sacred in schools.  I'll use this guide as I move forward today and in the days to come.