A Commitment to Momentum Over Mood Rings

 Talking Points

"You know results take time.   Unfortunately, this reality is absent in much of the messaging in today's society.”

It also seems to be absent from district and state level messaging.  I don’t know if it is the intent, but we keep getting new initiatives or policies to implement, and it feels like we as teachers are being told, “this is what you are doing now, make it work!,” without adequate training, explanation, or time to adjust lessons or curricula.  I’m only in my second year of secondary teaching, so maybe this gets easier to deal with as experience grows, but currently it is frustrating.

“I was crushed because my efforts felt like I was pushing Jell-O uphill.”

I haven’t seen this expression before, but it really captures the feeling that I’ve been having this year.  So much Jell-O, and such a steep hill…

“The experience I’ve gained teaching David has gifted me with the knowledge that I’m close to a breakthrough when things feel like they’re breaking down.”

This was a moving story, and this is an example of the kind of teacher I’d like to become.  I can generally build rapport with most of my students, but the stiff-arms are tough to break through.  I hope that, as I get more comfortable with my various curricula, finish my own classes, and become more efficient in lesson planning, I will have more time and energy available to focus more on those personal connections with students.

Argument Statement

Teaching often feels like an uphill battle, but if teachers can maintain their optimism and continue to deliver quality education, the payoffs, even when few and far between are worth the struggle.