This Is How We've Always Done It

One of the most dangerous phrases in an ever changing world is, "this is the way we've always done it." That phrase does not support innovation. It does not support future-driven thinking. It does take us back to days gone by, when life seemed slower and simpler, but it does little to impact the future. It is deeply rooted in fear -- and fear stifles growth. 

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to learn a writing technique from a former teacher of mine, Mr. Manes. This technique (we call it SEED writing) makes so much sense, and it blends seamlessly into all content areas in our school. I remember commenting, "Where was this when I was in school?" Conversation followed, and my former teacher asked me a question that has not left me to this day. 

He said, "If given the chance, would you want your children to go to the school you went to as a kid, or would you want your children to go to the school in which you currently teach?" 

Without much hesitation, I answered, "Hands down, where I teach." 

This brought on such a juxtaposition of emotions. As a high school student many years ago, I felt success as a writer for the first time in Mr. Manes's class. And, to be honest, as a new teacher, I used many of his techniques in my own classroom. I felt a sense loyalty to the effort and energy that he poured into our class each day - the countless papers he graded, the class discussion that he facilitated, the characters he brought to life, and the corny jokes he played on us. But you see, it was then that I realized if this amazing teacher can continue to change and adapt to meet his students needs -- SO. CAN. I. 

If you ask teachers what inspired them to become a teacher, you will most likely be told about former educators and coaches who changed their lives. I used to think that by teaching the way I was taught, I was paying tribute to the amazing teachers who taught me. My teacher heroes -- Mr. Manes, Mr. Rankin, Ms. Larson, and Mr. Smith -- are a large part of why I became a teacher. As crazy as this sounds, I think a part of me feared that I would somehow let my former teachers down, or even negate the impact they had on my life if I changed the way I taught. I now know this simply is not true.

I believe, with all of my heart, that my former teachers were innovators. I believe that they used the tools and resources at their disposal to teach us the best way they knew how. I also know that the tools and resources that I currently use as a teacher are far surpassing. Because of tools such as Twitter and Voxer, I can learn with colleagues (from all over the world I might add) 24/7, all year long. Because of tools such as Google Docs, my students can collaborate on collective writing assignments while I give real-time feedback; I can also alter assignments as we are working on them to better meet the needs of individual classes and students. Because of websites like Flipgrid, I can raise student voice in my classroom at a time when their voice is being lost to text messaging and digital communication. These tools did not exist when I was in school, but the student in me sure wishes they had. 

When the statement, "this is how we've always done it" is made, I now respond with, "Yes, but is it what's best for kids?" Sometimes the answer is yes. However, for a long time, I let fear drive my decisions - I did what was comfortable. I did not concisely do this. This makes sense if you think about it. I have the honor and privilege of working with people's most prized possessions - their children. The stakes are high, and failure is scary. But to not grow because I am scared, to not take a chance and throw out a lesson plan and replace it with new resources and technology, to not collaborate with other teachers and take a risk with my teaching style - that is educational malpractice. As one of my favorite coaches used to say, I was playing not to lose instead of playing to win. That's no way to play the game, and that's no way to teach a class.

So, I remind myself, to be open to change. I have no idea what each year of teaching will hold for me because every year my students needs are different. Every year my resources change. What I do know is that I must always be able to answer the question, "Is this what's best for kids" with a solid, unwavering, "YES," no matter how uncomfortable that makes me feel. Be open - let your heart be open to a brand new year full of brand new opportunities.