Thoughts on Diversity...Matthew (Matt) Key, Georgia

When I was teaching at my last school I attended a workshop on diversity that was great in regards that it taught me how I have let the media and the things that others say shape my views.  I did not and do not feel anything near what some believe about other group, but I will say it did show me how careful I needed to be in accepting people for who they are and what they have to offer others.  I needed to be aware of how others may view people and work together with them to see that everyone has something to offer to make the school/organization better.

As time progressed during the year after the workshop, I will it has really made a difference in the way that I thought about other students and their parents.  I made an effort to try and see what they have to offer and what they can contribute to help others out instead of looking at them as problems to problems instead of potential solutions.  The kids and their families are great and they have so much to offer to our school community.

Looking at my colleagues was the same.  There are many different personalities that I come into contact with and I needed to see them as what they were...colleagues and people.  They have feelings and want to feel a part of what is going on too.  I wanted to value their input and use their ideas to help everyone grow!

Matthew (Matt) Key, Georgia

Documenting Behaviors...Matthew (Matt) Key, Georgia

In order to be effective, teachers must make data driven decisions.  I document phone calls to parents, e-mails, and even how many times a student has been kept for tutorials.  Our administration preaches having a paper trail to be able to justify accommodations atht might need to be made for the student.  When there is some form of unproductive behavior, I keep track of when it is taking place as well.  data in this regard is very meaningful, helps determine whether a problem exists, how serious the problem is, and whether the interventions being used are significantly affecting the behavior.  Our administration uses the documentation collected to be able to support their opinions when discussing a student with his/her parents. 

Documenting students behaviors is important, but it is also important for teachers to document what they do as well. It is important for teachers to document what they do to make sure that we are not contributing to the unproductive behaviors.  We need to look at certain ways we conduct our lessons and the material that is being taught.  Is it age appropriate?  Is there enough for the students to do?  Is it too hard?  These are all questions that we need to answer and document to determine that we are serving the best interests of the students.

Documentation is useful when a parent is in question of a procedure or situation.  When documentation is not present teachers have a tendency to get frustrated because we can not explain why something did not change.  Documentation also helps refresh memories when we need to explain why we handled circumstances the way we did.  Teachers need to make sure that the documentation is precise giving a true account of what is taking place at school.

Matthew (Matt) Key, Georgia

Classroom Management...Matthew (Matt) Key, Georgia

Classroom management is how a teacher uses materials and pedagogy to allow students to achieve to their maximum potential.  Getting students to understand the procedures for your class and the rules that they must follow to be successful is a vital part of achieving.  Too many times we get lost in telling students what not to do instead of telling/showing them what to do. It is only by modeling the behaviors that you are looking for in class, will they students fully understand how to conduct themselves.

 Students must be able to control one’s behavior.  They can not let society dictate how they respond to situations.  Students need to be able to reflect on what their norms are outside of school and adapt them when they come to school.   Being able to see that rules and procedures are in place to guide them toward success and not failure is vital in the maturation of a student.  Teaching this life lesson sets up a student for future success whatever it may be.  I feel that accountability and responsibility are vital role players in the classroom as well.  Students need to understand that they are responsible for their actions and are going to be held accountable for how they handle their responsibilities.

Matthew (Matt) Key, Georgia