Teaching is hard work

What works? Economics teachers who talk about seasonal employment give examples of Christmas retail and Christmas tree lots; this real world connection makes economics real to students. World History teachers connect current events to the history of trade in Africa.  Where are the new markets for the US and China? Africa and Asia are the most open territories.  U.S. History and Government teachers discuss impeachment either in terms of Jackson and Clinton or in terms of the current push for Trump’s impeachment.

What doesn’t work? Speed discussing topic that the kids have no connection to, learning a difficult topic independently on devices with no teaching preceding it, or showing a video on Jane Addams and Hull House when kids don’t know what social work or social problems of that time period are.   Maybe reviewing with Jeopardy! is great for some kids, but there are definitely students not paying one bit of attention to the game or the questions.

Teaching is hard work and apparently some teachers have forgotten that.  Teaching is hard work because everyone who has attended school thinks they know how to do it.  Teaching is hard work because kids have tons of ways to ignore the teachers. Teaching is hard work because kids have trouble reading. Teaching is hard work because parents expect all kids to make straight As.  Teaching is hard work because class sizes are big and classrooms are small. Teaching is hard work because standardized tests have created data monsters in the central office and in the state legislature. Teaching is hard work because challenging kids and creating thinkers is a daunting task.  Teaching is hard work because good lessons require lots of preparation. Teaching is hard work because making a difference is not an easy endeavor. Teaching is hard work because teachers have forgotten that kids need the human factor more than technology or the newest textbooks or the latest curriculum.  

Teachers have the most incredible opportunity to reach kids in so many ways. They can make connections to current events, pop culture, and other classes.  Teachers who are excited about their content have students who are engaged and interested in their content area. I can think of many teachers I have had the privilege to know.  They care about their subject matter and about their students and it shows.  Note to teachers—teaching is hard work if you do it right. You make a difference and you matter to the future generation.