Part 3:
Building a Better Pirate
DISCUSSION QUESTION #14: "Much
of your success as an educator had to do with your attitude towards teaching
and towards kids. The rest of your success is based on your willingness to
relentlessly search for what engages students in the classroom and then having
the guts to do it." (Burgess p.84)
Discuss what it means to you to be a “relentless teacher”.
Reply to two others:
To me a relentless teacher is one that is always looking, searching and wanting to find what and how they can teach their students a better way. Being relentless is to be persistent and determined to continue reaching every student being taught. Teachers should be learning new ways to engage students, not sticking to the same lesson year after year.
ReplyDeleteI like that you brought up persistence and determination. I agree that those are qualities found in a relentless teacher.
DeleteBeing relentless means not getting too comfortable with the status quo and always looking for ways to improve.
DeleteMy thoughts exactly!
DeleteIt was so great to hear everybody's ideals on this discussion question.
DeleteThose are my exact thoughts, kids need to experience persistent and determined people like us we are great models to these students and we hope to instill those ideals among all of them.
I think you captured my thoughts exactly. I like that you mentioned that a relentless teacher looks for new ways to improve their teaching skills and not rely on the materials used for several years.
DeleteI love your response!! That totally describes what I think a relentless teacher looks like. :)
DeleteI think part of being relentless is maintaining a positive attitude in the classroom. Sometimes politics create a difficult environment. Sometimes relationships with parents put up a barrier. When I see this happening, I have to refocus my attention to what’s important. It comes down to students and what is best for them.
ReplyDeleteAnother aspect is finding different ways to engage students. It’s easy to do the same thing every year, but that doesn’t mean students are engaged. Two of my districts have gotten rid of AR this year. Teachers are looking for new ways to hold students accountable for their reading since a ready-to-go 5 or 10 question test isn’t available. I see my own children finding ways to report about book, and it’s exciting. They’re excited about creating something for the books they read. They want to share and talk about their books.
I like that you mentioned positive attitude. That is sometimes hard to do, especially with the examples you brought up of politics and parents. It can be easy to get caught up in those whirlwinds and forget who we are actually there for.
DeleteOur new 9th/10th grade English teacher is having her students do book talks this year instead of the standard book reports that have been the bane of student's existence for the past couple years. On book talk days she walks her class downtown to the coffee shop, each group gets a separate table, they order drinks and muffins or cinnamon rolls. The teacher moves around from table to table and listens in as students give their books talks. My para reports that the kids are really enjoying this. This idea might be fun to adapt to create a coffee shop feel in the classroom,commons area, or lunch room; maybe not as much fun as going to a real coffee shop, but the next best thing when there isn't one nearby.
DeleteWhat a neat idea....the book talk at a "coffee shop". I'm going to share this idea w/ our English teacher
DeleteI love that idea, Debi! What a fun way to incorporate the real world setting in the book talks!
DeleteWhat a great idea - book talks in a setting that is comfortable and relaxed sounds like fun.
DeleteI agree that it is important to not let parents get the best of us and to keep the students best interest in mind. That is why we became teachers in the first place!
DeleteWhat a creative idea!! Gets kids out of the box and into a real world situation.
DeleteI am glad that you mentioned a teacher's positive attitude. The students know if you aren't loving teaching. Just today I heard a classroom teacher say "it's pretty bad when you look forward to going to the dentist!" She was leaving at lunch time. The students heard her saying that. NOT Good!
DeleteI really like that idea for book talks. That's much more like adults talk about what they're reading and a pleasant ezperience could help build a lifelong habit :) Has anybody else noticed these record responses on pacific time?
DeleteA relentless teacher is one who does what needs to be done for a student to learn. If what is being done is not working, then the teacher needs to find another way to teach the concept so that it is understood. It may be using some of the hooks in this book. I usually look for different approaches like visual and kinesthetic. It may be taking the time to know the student and what interests him/her and then using that information to make a lesson that will be of some interest to them. Advocating for the student is another thing I see a relentless teacher doing. We may be the only advocate the student has in his/her life.
ReplyDeleteHeather, both of your points are so true! We have to be relentless in our determination to find what works for our kiddos. Getting to know them is really important, sometimes the most off the wall idea is what works the best. We just have to be willing to go the extra mile. Over the years I've had to go to bat for several of my students...you are right again, sometimes we are the only one in their lives that does advocate for them. I am feeling very fortunate this year that all of my students have really caring, involved families...this is an exceptional year for sure!
DeleteYou are so right about being a student advocate. I think that's one area where I don't push hard enough, but your point rings true - we might be the one advocate for that kiddo!
DeleteGreat points!
I agree that it is important to take the time to get to know the students interests and how they learn. This makes a difference in getting them to stay engaged and to understand the concepts being taught.
DeleteI agree completely with your statement. I am here first of all for the students. Unfortunately that has cost me some relationships with teachers over the years but at the end of the day I have to be able to say that I have done everything within my power for my students success. Being their advocate is my number one job!
DeleteBeing a student advocate can make for walking a fine line with general ed teachers, but I think mine understand my role and for the most part, they too want to see the students succeed.
DeleteHaving the cuts to go way out on a limb and try something really out of the box can be a real challenge for me. I do consider myself to be relentless in my drive to help students, so over the years I've had to push myself out my comfort zone to go to entirely uncomfortable places. I've never regretted those times though...even the ideas that I thought were going to be fabulous that flopped. Stretching ourselves to incorporate novel things is what keeps teaching fresh and staves off burn-out.
ReplyDeleteSometimes we need to be pushed out of our zone, but it is hard for us to do and maybe see our own shortcoming!! It has to be a personal agenda, and then we have to do it.
DeleteTo me relentless means not giving up, fully engaged and a positive attitude. It means being there day in and day out; always having the students in the back of your mind (thinking of them while driving or in a store for example, and getting an idea for them). Often a weekend or break gives me a fresh look at the classroom
ReplyDeleteI think we've all had those kiddos who we can't get out of our heads, always thinking of new strategies or ideas to reach them. Thanks for sharing your ideas :)
DeleteSometimes our weekend bring things in more clearly because we let our have a small break
DeleteThere used to be many days where I thought that there are those kids that are not going to make it but now those thoughts are few and far between. I always like to look back on the kids that I did reach and be able to find out how well they have been doing after they left school or towards the end of their public school days. Yes, I am getting to that point in my career as well as older to see some of those success stories and believe me it makes me feel good that I have made a difference.
DeleteI think a relentless teacher is a teacher who is not willing to give up on kids. A relentless teacher goes above and beyond to find what works for kids in order to get them to learn what is being taught. A relentless teacher thinks out of the box and does not let what others say affect their teaching. Overall, they have the kids best interest in mind and will find a way to get them to learn!
ReplyDeleteMichelle, I totally agree. Going above and beyond even when as educators we are tired or stressed is what it is all about. Sometimes pushing through and giving it our all may seem difficult but is worth it. I like that you mentioned not letting what others say affect you. Having your students best interest is at heart is crucial to their success.
DeleteTo me, being relentless means not ever giving up on students. Relentless teachers constantly strive to improve their practice.
ReplyDeleteI like that you used the word constantly and strive. These two words go hand in had. If we are striving for success and constantly or relentlessly pursuing this are students are going to benefit.
DeleteYou know, students can tell when a teacher has given up on them! If you have time watch Rita Pierson- Every Kid Needs a Champion, you can find it on You Tube. It's a very good video clip reminding teachers of their purpose.
DeleteCarol-
DeleteI agree with your comment about students knowing when a teacher has given up on them. We've had some instances recently with a student where the student feels that the teacher doesn't care, so he's given up on her, too. It's so sad because I don't know if the teacher realizes what a HUGE impact she's having on his life with this. Sometimes I just want to ask teachers what they would want to happen in a situation if we weren't talking about a particular student, but their actual child. I wonder if it would make a difference.
A relentless teacher doesn't give up on themselves or their students. They give it their all in pursuing and striving to help their students reach their goals. They don't let the everyday obstacles that can face them stop them from doing what is best for students. Being relentless takes perseverance and at times courage and it is so very important when faced with the challenges of being a teacher.
ReplyDeleteWe can't ever give up! Too often the kids give up on themselves so it's our job to show them they CAN! Great point Kayla!
DeleteA relentless teacher is always looking for new ways and opportunities to improve themselves, and in turn student improvement. Students are so individual that that teachers need many tricks to reach them all! One of the best resources is-other teachers!! of course books, articles and the internet are also helpful.
ReplyDeleteGreat point that other teachers are one of the best resources... I mean, non of us would be doing this if it weren't for another teacher Dave Burges!
DeleteEstablishing and maintaining good working relationships with other teachers is key! I've even had several paras that are good resources, especially concerning student behavior, etc. They spend way more time with them than I do during the day and often have good insights into students.
DeleteA relentless teacher is one that never stops learning, learning his or her students or learning new material to present to the students. Learning never stifles and when it does its time to move on to a different place. I feel that a relentless teacher is constantly seeking ways to present information to students. These teachers are those where teaching is not a job is a lifestyle. They don't come to work for the paycheck. Their reward is seeing students learn and grow. They want to make an impact in the most powerful way possible. They believe in their students and never give up on them. Relentless teachers understand that every day is a new day to make a mark.
ReplyDeleteI can literally hear you through this post, Jamie! :) I love the phrase you use: teaching is not a job, but a lifestyle. That really is the mindset that a relentless teacher needs to have.
DeleteOne administrator I work with says they know they have a good candidate when they say they have always wanted to teach - a lifestyle, and a calling.
DeleteEveryone of the above answers is correct and exactly what I would say. Relentless is doing everything you can so your students will be successful. It is being their number 1 advocate. It is believing in them and their abilities. It is striving to be a great teacher. A relentless teacher loves their job, looks forward to it, and actually does not think of it as work. I know at times I don't always feel relentless but more of a survivor. That is a temporary feeling though. Relentlessness is a long-term attitude. I can have bad days at school but still love what I do (kids need to understand that too.) Relentless is a never ending quest to be the best teacher you can be and doing whatever it takes for the students. After all, aren't they the reason we are in this profession?
ReplyDeleteWhen your working every day to help motivate and have a positive impact on a child's life you have to be relentless in keeping yourself motivated to do your best. To me I also feel that means staying emotionally healthy and remembering to do the things you enjoy; for yourself.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree.. this is a great challenge when working with some difficult kids at times.. but to know and see that you're making a difference is amazing. I have to remind myself I won't be able to do this if I don't remain healthy myself.
DeleteMatt-
DeleteI like when you talked about teachers looking after themselves as well. Often times, I feel like the relentless teacher probably isn't doing a good job of this, and as a result, experiences burnout. This is an awful cycle because the great teachers who consistently go above and beyond may actually end up leaving their jobs in part to that.
I think to constantly be challenging yourself as well as your students. Students aren't the only ones that learn in the classroom. We as teachers are constant learner as well, we learn more about our students to be better educators to them and we learn more about ourselves as teachers. What works for us and what doesn't.. but to seek constant improvement despite all challenges.. despite all the times we feel like we can't do it anymore, all the times we want to just give a worksheet or send a kid out of the room.. we keep going.. we keep trying for them- for their improvement and ours as well.. that is relentless.
ReplyDeleteI love this. Never giving up, no matter what challenges face you as a teacher. And definitely trying to find ways beyond worksheets.
DeleteA "relentless teacher" is one who never stops learning. Instead of becoming stationary or stagnant in their position, they desire to better themselves for the good of their students. It means going out of your way to learn how to improve yourself, to learn how to meet the students at their level. It is not enough to simply clock in and clock out; you take your work home with you (literally and figuratively.) A relentless teacher is one who never gives up on their students or themselves.
ReplyDeleteI love your last line. It is so true. Unfortunately we must continue to tell ourselves that especially when others have already given up.
DeleteOooooooh. I never thought about learning. That's an excellent point!
DeleteBeing a relentless teacher is one that continues to find ways in order to make learning easier for their students. It means going above and beyond what is intended for anything that is being taught to students.It is always knowing that nothing is perfect so there is always room for improvement.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great definition Shelli! I completely agree with you!
DeleteRelentless means to never give up! I am always looking for new ways to present materials to my students. I feel sometimes we almost have to stand on our heads to get them to see the process of complete a question. Money seems to be the most difficult math concept i present to my kids, One day we know what we are doing and the next we have no idea of what we did before.
ReplyDeleteYour statement is so true. I feel the same way about getting them to see the process.
DeleteRelentless, to me, means being there everyday and working hard to make sure my kids have the best that I can possibly give them. Being there early and staying late to make sure I'm doing the very best I can. It means working day and night if I have to so that my kids know I care about them and I'd do anything for them. They are the most important thing and their learning is what matters most to me.
ReplyDeleteYes, being relentless means hours after school, before school, during breaks, and weekends. I currently have a student who I go to bed thinking about, wake up (in the middle of the night) thinking about, waking up in the morning thinking about. He consumes a lot of my thinking time, because he is one that I always have to be 2 steps ahead, which doesn't always happen. Being relentless means spending a lot of time thinking and brainstorming ideas.
DeleteI think being a relentless teacher means that I want students to be their best and settle for nothing less. I see too many kids settle for D's in school, sure that is a passing grade (barely) but kids think and even those parents settle for that with their kids is very misguided. I have seen kids give up too easily and too many of those kids have that have attitude, and in the long run that will make thier life allot more difficult to live. I won't give up on my kids, I will continue to convince and inspire them to work hard in school because getting an education is very important. I try to set any kind of foundation that I can so they can realize that teachers and schools are not the enemy, we are here to help them. So many of these young adults and kids are missing out on precious opportunities to become better people.
ReplyDeleteTo me, a relentless teacher always searches for ways to get across to students, finding learning styles and lessons that best suit our population. We not only teach curriculum, but also social skills, handling emotions, anger management; the whole gamut. We also relentlessly pursue appropriate methods of teaching these skills as well.
ReplyDeleteAs special ed teachers, we do have our hands full! I think that is why some special ed teachers burn out so easily. Learning new ways to teach curriculum and handle behaviors, etc. is what keeps me motivated. A good support system doesn't hurt, either!
DeleteTo me being a relentless teacher means always being flexible and looking for ways to change up things. Find that thing that brings them back and wanting more. I am lucky at the Kinder level they love school and want to soak things up like a sponge, however there are occasionally those one or two who school isn’t easy for them and they don’t want to be here. Finding ways to show them they are learning and helping them feel successful can be trial and error but that is the fun thing of problem solving and trying new things/ways.
ReplyDeleteYou all have such great answers, many of the same things I would say. I believe being a relentless teacher means being better today than I was yesterday. Whether that means learning to use a new technology or program, finding new ways to reach an unmotivated student, helping a student become successful, or even changing my attitude for the better. Every year when asked what my New Year's resolution is, I always say, "To be better than what I was last year." There is no way I can be perfect, but I can keep learning and keep striving to be better than I was in any and all areas of my life. I think that's what a relentless teacher does - always strives to be better.
ReplyDeleteI like that New Year's Resolution. We always need to strive to be better than we were yesterday, or last week, or last month, or last year. As a teacher, I want to continue to learn and improve myself because I know that will benefit my students also.
DeleteI think you hit the nail right on the head. Striving to be better ourselves will influence our students to do the same thing,
DeleteTo me, being a relentless teacher, is being a teacher that is always looking for new ways, new ideas, a different method of instruction, etc. to get to those kids that we service. We all know that every student is different in many, many ways. Being relentless means that we have to find the method of what works and keep trying until we find it. Every child has the capability of learning, the method that works for one child, will probably not work for the next. We have to figure out those methods and tweak them to meet the need of each child. Being relentless means that I will try everything more than once until I find something that works for that child.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree. I find I am constantly modifying things that I find so that it works well for all of my students.
DeleteTo me, being relentless means doing whatever it takes to get the students what they need. Whether it be a sounding board for hem or endlessly searching for new methods to teach them. It takes a lot of time and energy to ensure that all of the students are learning the proper level and are learning but it is worth the effort!!
ReplyDeleteA relentless teacher never gives up. He/she will always be searching for that one thing that reaches the students needs. Searching for the one thing that captures the student's attention and motivates the student to learn.
ReplyDeleteIt's having the ability to present the same information many different ways with the same excitement as the first time it was presented.
When I first read this, it reminded me of a YouTube video that one of my principals recently shared (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xO1GIUyCb7I&app=desktop). I think anyone who willingly chooses to go into teaching and stick with it is a relentless teacher. With the state of education like it is, and everything that educators have to put up with as just a normal part of their day, I don’t think a non-relentless individual could cut it.
ReplyDeleteTo me a relentless teacher is one who never gives up, keeps learning new ideas until students have learned the things they really need to know. They keep their "eye on the ball" and focus on the students working past the politics, finances, and people who don't have student's best interests at heart.
ReplyDeleteI think being a relentless teacher is always striving to do what is right for kids and help them succeed. Being relentless also means going above and beyond what is expected because that is what needs to be done. I also think that relentless teachers are always looking for new ideas and ways to improve their teaching.
ReplyDelete