Where Did They Go?

When I graduated from Stevens Point in May 2012, I found myself nestled within a group of younger educators who I felt confident would impact classrooms for many years to come.  For five semesters I interacted with many of them as we journeyed through the class offerings of UW-SP's School of Education. It was my pleasure to have gotten to know them personally, learning their reasons for wanting to teach. At that specific time in my life I would have given my right toe find a way to bring the entire group into a school setting, if only to see their strengths for collaboration and rigor come to fruition in a place where we, as educators, would thrive off one another. Of course it was just a dream and represented a false reality of life.

One by one fellow classmates found placements throughout the state, and I was excited for their prospects of making a true difference in education. Due to my circumstances with age and the area of the state where I resided, I was likely one of the final placements within the group of my comrades. In fact, I recall that time in July 2012 when I voiced my impatience with the process within a blog post which stirred an inner fire in my attempt to one-day reach the classroom. When the opportunity presented itself, I became a kid again, knowing that a life-long dream would become reality at last.

Despite the physical distance between each of us, I made a concerted effort to track the whereabouts of many of my Pointer alumni, anticipating news of ways they were impacting the younger generation. But rather than learning about excitement, I discovered just the opposite occurring. One by one they stepped away from the classroom, moving in other professional directions altogether. One into insurance, another to factory work, one to law enforcement, and others scattering into the traditional workplace. It's a trend I've  witnessed personally of late too many times at BDHS as good, young teachers choose to leave their classroom in lieu of better opportunities. These are well-grounded individuals who I considered to be excellent educators, suddenly doing an about-face in their young careers.

What is happening to our stock of young adults who are leaving classrooms? At the same time, what is driving so many good, experienced teachers to an early retirement? No doubt there is a unique set of circumstances which drive the decision making of teachers as both individuals and a collective. Some problems are unique, while others have a common theme.I recognize that everyone isn't cut for the demands put on today's teachers. There are issues of classroom management and student drama, social media, paperwork, standards testing, communicating with parents, in addition to lack of direction and poor support provided by administrators. In many ways education is truly at a crossroad right now, a quagmire at best, whereby the talent pool is being depleted at an alarming rate.

I have opinionated thoughts about ways to improve the system so a new generation of teachers feel valued in what they do, but these actions take time to institute. In the meantime I cherish the time I spend with my students, watching them grow with both curiosity and intellect.

Halftime at the 50 Yard Line

Six years ago I paused to reflect on life, poised to fulfill a long-awaited dream to teach high school. Although I was still three months away from beginning this new career with my placement at Beaver Dam High School, I was eager to be part of a profession in which many of my colleagues seemed to be running from. While I hoped to secure a teaching position in Wild Rose where I live, destiny and fate took me seventy miles to the southeast where I have enjoyed six years of teaching Economics to juniors and seniors and Global Studies- Eastern Hemisphere to fun-loving freshmen. I've yet to experience a day when I questioned my decision to return to the classroom.

My best days as a teacher are ones when I grapple with new ideas to my class, knowing students will ponder on once they leave my classroom...perhaps even discussing what they learned with one of their parents. Sometimes the realization is quickly absorbed, while other times it takes days to sink in. Regardless, I leave school every day feeling energized knowing I was living my purpose. "Purpose" is a key component of feeling relevant in my teaching and making a connection that I'm doing what I was born to do.

Within my initial tenure at BDHS I've attempted to make my classroom a warm and inviting place for students as I consider atmosphere key to forming a community of trust and learning. Based on my experience in the business world, much of the dysfunction in the workplace can be traced to a lack of trust; hence my focus on allocating time and effort to discuss character and competence. I sense that many of us, whether young or old, fail to genuinely talk and listen to one another. If I practice this on a regular basis, students come to know that I'm willing to go the extra mile.

Just this past week I received an email from a former student who left the district at the end of his freshman year as a result of his father being transferred to another city almost two hours away.
"Hey Mr.D. I just wanted to let you know how this move to Wausau has been for me since you helped me towards the end of the year with my whole football situation and motivating me in general. So far it’s been pretty well and my coach really appreciated/was impressed with that email that I sent him which was overall your idea which I thank you for. It really helped with my introduction into the new school. I unfortunately have fractured my right thumb and tore a ligament in it during practice which has resulted in me being put into a cast. However I’m still able to practice and play as long as I have it fully padded. Not the best circumstance to be in right now but I have to make it into something better than what it is. I just wanted to thank you for helping me out enter the football program in a much more positive way and influencing that email. Hope you’re doing well Mr.D!"
These are the moments that make teaching all so rewarding...seeing how a former student creates intention in order to take advantage of an opportunity to better themselves in new surroundings. It involves being optimistic (yet also very realistic) about life and the importance of learning, the key ingredient in my specific style of teaching.

With six years of teaching now behind me, it's time to look ahead to the final six. I see myself at the 50 yard line contemplating changes that will take place in the community, state, country as well as the rest of the world. It's pretty exciting, yet still challenging. I remain the oldest teacher in the school, but also one who teaches with a young heart. My passion for teaching (and learning) burns stronger than ever. While some might choose to coast to the finish line, I have every intention to push myself with new and creative ways to enhance education in my classroom. I remain confident that my best days as still to come and tomorrow will be pretty special for Mr. D!

Bringing Michael Jordan to Life

All too often I want students in my classroom to see an issue in a 360 degree perspective. The present generation never knew Michael Jordan for who he really was...probably the most amazing basketball player ever. Not just for his fabulous moves to the basket, talent to transform defeat to victory or leadership on the basketball court, but for his ability to understand the difference between success and failure.

One of my insightful lessons centers on the concept of "failing your way to success." By a show of hands, I ask if anyone wants to have a successful business...perhaps become a successful athlete or singer? Then they need to get ready to fail. As humans we learn through failure, that’s something wired into our brains. Think about how do we learn to walk. We start by crawling, then we learn to stand up, then we make few steps and we keep falling on the ground, then one day we are suddenly running. Learn from your failures and you begin moving in the right direction. Remember...the key word here is LEARN.

“I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” – Michael Jordan

Very cool indeed!

One of those Special Days

Every now and then teaching provides an opportunity for genuine relationships to perk like a pot of fresh brew.  While so much focus is placed on curriculum, I contend that relationship-building is often overlooked as a most important component.

This became a quick realization to me two months ago when the second semester in the current school year began. One specific class, Block 1 Global Studies, contained a larger than normal amount of freshmen students with attitude issues. Specifically, five young teens could be viewed as "punks" in the eyes of many teachers. They put up a front of distrusting authority figures and general dislike for school. I sensed they would be a hard group to deal with, but rather than responding with an iron fist I elected to shift my teaching style in order to better understand their logic of thinking.

Delving into their academic history, I discovered a pattern of ongoing failure over the past 3-4 years. Unfortunately previous administrations chose to kick the can down the road with meaningful interventions rather than sitting down to discover why these teens think the way they did, passing the problem down the system for someone else to address over time. As a teacher this involves ongoing patience and tolerance for an assortment of personalities, especially when I begin the day in front of these young people. But in order to understand, one has to face the perceived problem head-on. Although the semester is only halfway completed, it has been a rewarding experience. It's also consumed much of my time and physical energies, but I firmly believe this is what true-teaching is all about.

Tapping into a resource of one past BDHS graduate now majoring in social work at a state university, I invited a handful of my most challenging students to an after-school round-table discussion. In return for their input they would receive not only a hearty meal of their favorite pizza, but a reduction of assigned detentions for past deviant behaviors. From the very start it became a meaningful exchange of information which lasted for more than 90 minutes. While I doubt it will solve every problem associated with their conduct in school, it provided great insight into erroneous perceptions by staff and student alike. Best of all, these students want to keep the conversation going with future meetings between themselves and administration.

Before closing, I'd mention that their collective performance in my classroom has improved considerable since their first day back in January. Not only did they pass my class, a notable accomplishment in itself, but they have impacted students in a positive manner. This group of rabblerousers has the opportunity to turn their lives around, provided they are truly serious about identifying personal goals and making decisions in an adult manner. Time will tell, but at least I was able to nudge a stone previously unturned.

Freshman Insight As Only Freshmen Would See It

During the last day of regularly scheduled classes I always ask those freshmen in Global Studies to share insight on ways to make improvements to my class. This last semester I asked another rather simple question in hopes of scratching the surface of better understanding how young minds look at their first year of high school. The question was as follows: “In one sentence, what is the hardest thing about high school?” Their responses were both refreshing and honest in nature. I did not make changes to grammar, spelling, or punctuation as they provoke added intrigue on my part. Enjoy…...

• The hardest thing about school is test. I’m not a well studier and that really effects my grade.
• To me there is nothing to hard about school.
• Navigating all the construction. Not being shy around other people. Participating.
• Waking up to going to school.
• Hardest thing about school is not being in control and waking up for it.
• Getting things done on time and getting up early because I procrasente and have insomia
• Getting up and learning things you feel will be no importance in your life/career
• Amount of homework w/being involved & sports to you’re well rounded for college
• The hardest thing to me are the tests because I can’t remember sertin things about classes.
• The hardest thing is making sure I maintain the 4.0 GPA like I want. Sometimes the work can be so overwhelming that I can’t do the work but I push through it and try my hardest.
• The hardest thing about school is learning different ways in each class like listening in English, reading in Global Studies & watching/doing in Geometry
• The hardest thing about school is dealing with the stresses it brings.
• Proboly, waking up and being here and getting homework done on time.
• The hardest thing about school is how there is always alot of homework.
• Hardest Thing: over-commit myself. Say I can do too much and end up very stressed because I’m not the best in something.
• The hardest part is waking up and having to memorize things fast.
• The hardest thing about school is the pressure put on you to do your very best.
• The hardest thing about school is the homework.
• The work
• The hardest thing about school is homework, tests, and getting good grades.
• The hardest thing about school is dealing with the people in it.
• The hardest thing about school for me is procrastination and dealing with people.
• 8th hour regardless of the class it’s always boring
• The homework piling up and sometime the teachers don’t explain it well.
• Hardest thing about school is turning work in on time especially with other classes to do work for. Also, I don’t have many friends anymore.
• The hardest part about school is being comitted and motivated.
• Hardest thing is not having fun or interesting classes.
• Hardest thing about school would be that im not the greatest at it. No one really is.but something with me not being able to focus as much as others but ive been told i can change it or its an excuse but people don’t understand.That my learning is different.
• The hardest thing for me is the teachers I hate getting told what to do and when I have to do it.
• I think the hardest part about school is homework and not talking.
• I think the hardest thing about school is when you do really well on all the assignments in a class but then do bad on the test.
• The homework and not being able to see your friens too much.
• I think the hardest thing about high school is, tests. They take a huge part of your grade.
• I think one of the hardest parts of high school is how little Middle School prepares you for it. In middle school you don’t really need to study for tests, yet in high school, it’s a completely different picture.
• The hardest thing about school is maintaining a 4.0
• The hardest thing about school is the tests and showing up
• I think the hardest thing is just jaming My brain with infromata Also, the tests, are usually hard and cause alot of stress on me to get an A.
• The hardest thing is how others see you. They look at you and already decide what person you are.
• The hardest thing about school is the stupid children. I learned not to try too hard.
• I think the hardest thing in school is trying to stay focused in my class
• The hardest thing for me is trying not to talk to my friends during class.

It truly amazes me how open and forthright freshmen can be when you ask them to share their opinions. Within 10 minutes of completing their 3x5 feedback cards I asked them to write another note, only this one would be addressed to next semester’s class, offering their brutally open insight on this class so fellow freshmen are provided a ‘warning sign’ with regards to classroom conduct and expectations. Although these departing students think their letters will go unnoticed by myself, I spend 45-60 minutes reviewing each one to make sure there were no hidden references to drugs, alcohol, or inappropriate language. 100% were sincere and to the point.

Their completed letters often mirrored some of the many petty annoyances happening in the personal life of today’s teenager, but also provided a glimpse of what I was doing right and perhaps wrong in their eyes. There was a consistent message from the group for the way they obtained a new understanding for today’s world and that learning could indeed be fun. The “hardest things” mentioned on those 3x5 cards were noticeably absent from their classmate letters, so my impression is that some of their other teachers could be somewhat detached from their world. This is not a slam against my fellow teachers, but still cause for some concern on my part as an adult who values student relationships. Many years ago I was reminded that perception is often another’s reality.  :)

Letter to the Editor

For the first time in my short career of teaching I have the urge to respond to one citizen's complaint about teachers. A "Letter to the Editor" went as follows:

On Dec 12, the Daily Citizen ran a front-page article that talked about a number of teachers who are unhappy with their pay and also feel unappreciated. Pardon me, but I just don't get it. 
I challenge anyone to name a profession that has a better benefit package with 16 weeks of vacation from day one. Incredible job security. Early retirement option. A lavish pension and fantastic health insurance. As far as pay? I requested and received a copy of every teaching position in the district. More than half of our teachers make more than $53,000 per year. Divide that by 180 days and divide that by eight hours and that comes to $36.80 per hour. There are 85 teachers making more than $60,000. That comes to $41.66 per hour. Unhappy with their pay?
I am not anti-teacher. I have relatives in the profession and more than a few good friends that are great teachers. I am anti-public union and anti-public pension, simply because the taxpayers are left with the bill. When is this 7-year pity party going to end?

This past year my base pay of $45,852 did not change as was previously determined by a combination of steps & lane compensation. Being in a year where a massive construction project is taking place in our building, I understand the need to be sensitive to the mood of local voters, but as a "young teacher" I have an outstanding loan associated with a decision to complete my college education. In addition, I also invested in a 2-year program to obtain my Masters Degree for which an expense was incurred. In my opinion the so-called freeze is a dangerous precedent, as good young teachers will seek greener pastures where they feel more appreciated. But at the same time I recall times in the business world when stagnant sales or excessive customer debt resulted in no raises or even employee cutbacks. Raises in any job, be it the public or private sector, truly need to be earned, and how those raises are earned should involve regular conversations with members of management/administration. (more on that later)

When it comes to the argument of receiving 16 weeks of vacation from day one, it's anything but that in my life. So many of those days are spent cleaning up loose ends of every-changing lesson plans, learning new curriculum and guidelines, then focusing on PDP and SLO objectives. While I cannot vouch that 100% of my peers are actively involved in similar routines, I'm sure there is a sizable number who remain committed to their profession.

My normal school day is longer than the eight hours mentioned by the writer; often lasting twelve or more due to lesson preparation and grading. I set high-expectations for not only my students, by for myself as well. In addition to my teaching responsibilities, I also donate time (uncompensated) as adviser for our school's very active Key Club, serving on our school's PBIS Committee as well as spearheading National History Day for Regional and State competition.  All told, if I was to really crunch numbers to best reflect the time I spend on teaching each and every day, it could approach a wage slightly above minimum wage. 

I've not been one to whine, but as someone who is relatively new at this profession I contend that pay is not based on a system of merit, but one of tenure. When Act 10 was signed into Wisconsin law by Gov Walker in 2011, I felt school districts across the state were provided with a big carrot which might instigate some positive changes in accountability on all sides of the debate. I understand the purpose of tenure and how it can protect valuable educators, but it can also prohibit much needed change from taking place. Again I stress this is not a vindication of all teachers nor administrators across the country, just voicing my opinion that a good segment of administrators are not taught how to be leaders in their schools.

During my career in business management I discovered the culture of "Absolute Honesty", an idea put forth by Larry Johnson and Bob Phillips back in 2003. I loved the concept and asked my three branch managers as well as the owners to read the book while thinking about how it could impact our company. Quickly we developed into a strong team with ongoing open dialogue between 120+ employees throughout the company.  From that day forward I never feared an opportunity to sit with any employee, regardless of their position in the company, to discuss performance by either party. It was a special experience that I will long reflect on in a positive way. It's unfortunate that this same form of conversation can't be found in many of our schools.