Inevitably May and June create tension within our schools as teachers face uncertainty as to what, where and whom are they teaching in September. This is also the time that teachers begin to look at the students coming up to them next fall. Let's be honest, both teachers and parents "shop around"when it comes to placement. A parent hears certain things about one teacher or another and makes a request for their child. Teachers have certain positive or negative run-ins with a student and request what they think is a suitable placement. Parents and teachers state which students should or should not be placed in the same class. I figure Principals at this time or year must feel backed into a corner in a no win situation.
Looking back, it took me hours to decide on placement for my students, like a house of cards each student was carefully placed to build a classroom in which social, emotional and learning needs were balanced and congruent with next years teachers strengths and abilities. Move in or out one child and the whole class dynamic seemed to crumble. It was never perfect, never satisfying.
Now I'll be honest, I've "student shopped" before. "Give me this kid and not that kid... I really like that family..." I'm not proud of this, but I've done it. Last year I realized that when we do this, we undercut the professional judgement of our colleagues. These are the people who have spent the last 10 months getting to know each and every student; understanding what makes them tick and how they learn best. So when it comes to next year's teaching assignments let us remember:
1. We will always do what is best for the student(s)? -This is the most important and really only essential question we need to ask. Without them, we have no class, no job, not purpose. (Notwithstanding educational funding, class size and composition. That is another post in itself)
2. What information do I need to pass along to next year's teacher for each student to be successful? -What worked? What didn't? What considerations are needed? Letting a teacher know of a student sensitivity, the strides they've made in their learning have always helped me to be more understanding and supportive of my future student's learning.
3. We are all in this together. -Whether you have to change grades or receive a difficult class, think positively and take it on as a challenge and not a curse. If a colleague has given you a challenging student -take it as a compliment. Obviously they see something in you that they feel will help that student grow and learn.
May and June are tough enough months as it is. Teachers are tired and the end of year rush is upon us. Rather than "shopping" around, spend you last few weeks enjoying the students you have and deciding how you can pay their talents forward next year.
Looking back, it took me hours to decide on placement for my students, like a house of cards each student was carefully placed to build a classroom in which social, emotional and learning needs were balanced and congruent with next years teachers strengths and abilities. Move in or out one child and the whole class dynamic seemed to crumble. It was never perfect, never satisfying.
Now I'll be honest, I've "student shopped" before. "Give me this kid and not that kid... I really like that family..." I'm not proud of this, but I've done it. Last year I realized that when we do this, we undercut the professional judgement of our colleagues. These are the people who have spent the last 10 months getting to know each and every student; understanding what makes them tick and how they learn best. So when it comes to next year's teaching assignments let us remember:
1. We will always do what is best for the student(s)? -This is the most important and really only essential question we need to ask. Without them, we have no class, no job, not purpose. (Notwithstanding educational funding, class size and composition. That is another post in itself)
2. What information do I need to pass along to next year's teacher for each student to be successful? -What worked? What didn't? What considerations are needed? Letting a teacher know of a student sensitivity, the strides they've made in their learning have always helped me to be more understanding and supportive of my future student's learning.
3. We are all in this together. -Whether you have to change grades or receive a difficult class, think positively and take it on as a challenge and not a curse. If a colleague has given you a challenging student -take it as a compliment. Obviously they see something in you that they feel will help that student grow and learn.
May and June are tough enough months as it is. Teachers are tired and the end of year rush is upon us. Rather than "shopping" around, spend you last few weeks enjoying the students you have and deciding how you can pay their talents forward next year.