As another school year comes to a close we begin to slowly declutter the mind, unwind a bit and reflect upon the school year, the challenges, the successes, and the growth both teachers and students have made. Just recently while reading The Innovator’s Mindset: Empower Learning, Unleash Talent, and Lead a Culture of Creativity
by George Couros, I came across an interesting concept which made me really reflect about which type of teacher I am and want to be. Couros explains the differences between a classroom teacher and school teacher. I never really knew that there was a difference between the two. Couros defines the classroom teacher as “those who do great things within their classroom and with their students.” School teachers are defined as those who do that as well but, “consider every student in the school as their own, no matter if that child is in their grade or subject at the time.” School teachers are also willing to “share their ideas with colleagues to benefit their colleagues’ students as well.” Couros gives an example of both administrators and classroom teachers standing in the hallway or outside of their classroom to greet ALL students, not only their own. This builds a sense of community and sets the tone for the school.
by George Couros, I came across an interesting concept which made me really reflect about which type of teacher I am and want to be. Couros explains the differences between a classroom teacher and school teacher. I never really knew that there was a difference between the two. Couros defines the classroom teacher as “those who do great things within their classroom and with their students.” School teachers are defined as those who do that as well but, “consider every student in the school as their own, no matter if that child is in their grade or subject at the time.” School teachers are also willing to “share their ideas with colleagues to benefit their colleagues’ students as well.” Couros gives an example of both administrators and classroom teachers standing in the hallway or outside of their classroom to greet ALL students, not only their own. This builds a sense of community and sets the tone for the school.As a Responsive Classroom teacher, I spend a lot of time building classroom community. I practice and preach that building relationships with students matter. You could read my post about nurturing student relationships here. But I began to wonder if I was I doing this enough to reach ALL students, not only my own. I believe that building relationships with students builds a sense of trust and community. A bond is formed that nurtures learning, growth, and success. When teachers build a relationship with all students, meaning not only the one ones in their classroom, it creates a “collaborative spirit” (Couros, 2015). It’s not always easy to do though with the demands of each and every school day. But imagine the incredible reach we’d have if all teachers built relationships with all students. Imagine the culture and tone of the school shifting. Imagine the burden off the shoulders of a single teacher who struggles with student behaviors. Imagine the change we may see. And all of this really doesn’t take much time and effort. It’s the little things that we could do each and every day that make a big difference within this collaborative effort to building relationships with all students.
Becoming a School Teacher
Each morning upon arrival, stand outside of your classroom with a smile and be ready and open to giving a hug, high 5 or handshake to any student that walks by. That was pretty easy for me to do being that there were classrooms across from mine and there was an intersecting hallway that brought students up from a stairwell nearby. And since you know that they are coming up to head toward your class or your colleagues, there’s nothing like students walking through the hallways and seeing the smiling faces of teachers. And trust me when I say they won’t forget it. They will seek out your smile every day and will look forward to that hi-5 every morning. It certainly sets the tone for the day and will shake you out of any morning slump you or they may be in. You’ll build your own little fan club and once this is routine, they will stop by each and every day to see if you’re there. Something for you and your students to look forward too. What a warm welcome to start each and every day. Now that’s a school I’d like to walk in to.
At dismissal, try the same thing. I’ve worked with teachers who give hugs, hi 5s and handshakes to each and every student of theirs before they left for the day. It lets the students know that no matter what happened that day regarding poor behavior, test grades or focus, does not affect relationships. Today is over and tomorrow is going to be a new day. We don’t always know what our students are going home to, so leaving them off on the right foot makes a world of a difference for the student. After or while dismissing your own students, try this with others in passing. Offer a goodbye, smile, handshake or hi 5 to other students in your school to wave them off. They’ll leave feeling safe and loved. You’ll see a change in student attitude I’m sure. This shift affects the entire culture of the school with the idea of all students becoming our own.
Nobody wants to be “that” teacher. The one that doesn’t share great ideas. The one that hoards all the good things they’re doing in their classroom with their students. The one that doesn’t collaborate with colleagues and the one who doesn’t listen to new and innovative ideas. Stop, collaborate and listen. We must remember that we are not teaching for any kind of award or for a pat on the back. You will not receive any extra pay in this profession for collaboration or sharing. What you will receive is respect and appreciation from your colleagues and students if you are a teacher with their door open, an ear to lend and ideas to share that improve the learning outcome for all students, not just yours. Be the spark that ignites creativity, innovation, and collaboration among your colleagues. Be the teacher that everyone wants to work with and that every student wants to have. That’s how we change school culture. That’s how we all set a positive tone and collaboration within our school community. That’s how we reach each and every student and bring them to their fullest potential.
Here’s a Recap:
So now I ask you, which type of teacher are you?
Can you remember a teacher in your life that was either one?
I bet you can!
Recommended Reading:
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Christine Weis is a passionate educator, classroom management coach, wife, and mom of two busy boys. She enjoys teaching, writing, and creating resources for teachers.
This is so true. I saw an old student in town recently. I never taught her myself, but she said she’s always remembered me because I was always smiling.
Awww…doesn’t that make you feel so good? Students always remember those that smile! I’ve been told that too! 🙂 Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
What a great post that really makes you think about teachers and their role in a classroom setting, the department, and nurturing students. I love your philosophy and view on this subject and what a great teacher you are to learn and grow in your field. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and teach someone like me about the current climate in schools.
Ana, thank you so much for your thoughtful comment! I really appreciate it! 🙂
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
Both of these teacher types ring a bell and I have had them in class. However, it’s a very long time since my school years haha x
Ha! I bet! Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
I suppose I’m a classroom teacher since I’ve never really taught anywhere outside the informal classroom. I’ve taught English for conversation in my hometown, and I got along with my students, but I often got misunderstood by other teachers who also taught the same class. Hmm.
I’ve been a classroom teacher too! Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
Teachers have so much responsibility and they impact the loves of their students, I know that because I had very godo teachers while attending school and each gave me a different experience and learning. Didn’t have a clue there was a difference between classroom and school teachers.
I’m glad you had so many good teachers and learning experiences in school. I didn’t know the differences by definition either. Interesting though! Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
I have definitely had school teachers and classroom teachers ! Never thought about it until now
Me too! I can remember having both types of teachers too. Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
Great stuff. I agree with all that you mentioned. Greeting kids and saying goodbye should be obvious but often it is skipped over in our busy lives. Eye contact. That is important too. Soon those kids will be looking at their phone and need to learn how important it is to REALLY look at people.
Yes…eye contact is extremely important in building relationships and communicating in general. It’s so important to learn those essential social skills at a young age. Good point! Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
I love that you shared your story on this. I think that it is fantastic for teachers to interact with students. The same way I think parents should interact with their kids. Often times, when I was a preschool teacher. There would be parents that would pick up their child with no expression. There would be parents that would say hi, some that wouldn’t but there was this one mom that really stood out. Every day when she would see her little boy she would stop, clap her hands and he would run as fast as he could to her with the biggest smile on his face. Out of all the kids that were at my daycare. There was not one kid as excited to see his mom as that little boy. When I became a mom I knew exactly the way I would greet my children. Every time they see me they still give me a hug or have a huge smile. Thanks for sharing your story! 🙂
Thanks for sharing your story! You have a really good point, whether you are a mom or a teacher the way you greet, part with, and interact with your child makes a lasting impact. I know what you mean when sharing this story. I have seen this many times. It was a MUST that my students and I greeted each other EVERY morning. It sets the tone for our day. And since I always worked a long day, it killed me to drop off my baby at daycare. He’d cry EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. and ran to me when I picked him up each afternoon. Building relationships are so important. Thanks for reading and for sharing your thoughtful comment.
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
Never knew there was a difference, but I’m totally a school teacher!!!
I know, me neither! Interesting comparison! I am a school teacher too! Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
Crazy! I had no idea there was a difference!! I loved being in school and having a former teacher call out my name! It made me feel special like I made an impact!
I know, me neither! That’s fantastic! I’m glad you were made to feel special in school. Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers