Simple advice for any generation. Compromise. I am not saying that you have to compromise on everything, because there are things in my life, I will definately not compromise. However, in order for any generation to grow as an individual, we have to be willing to look at the views and experiences others bring with them and sometimes blend them with our own.
In my current position, I have experienced what some would consider generational diversity issues. In the article attached, the writer discussed how each generation complains about the work ethic of the newest generation. As I stated in an earlier blog, I remember this type of comment made by my grandparents. Now, as a "veteran" teacher, I am having similar conversations with other "veteran" teachers about the new generation of teachers. I do not want to stereotype and say that no new teachers have the work ethics that the older generations of teachers have always had. I cannot say that because I have teachers on my campus from various generations who are unbelievable at what they do and will do whatever it takes. On the other hand, I have teachers from various generations who do the minimum.
I do not agree with many of the views of those who do the minimum, but I have had to learn to find that common ground. Once I did that the doors of communication opened in order to do what we really need to do, help the kids. Finding this common ground has forced both parties to compromise certain beliefs in order to help our students succeed.
I think in order to prosper, every generation must find a common ground and be willing to make some compromises. I can learn many things from the newer generations. In addition, the newer generations can learn many “old” things.
http://www.super-solutions.com/GenerationalDiversityGenXGenY.asp
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Feelings
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Maya Angelou
I have had leadership roles at other schools and I am fortunate to still have a close relationship with those I worked with in the past. As I have moved on to other positions within the district, there are people who “check up” on the new person. We have all inquired about the “new kid on the block” through a person who has had a working relationship with that person. Granted the information is not always accurate and I personally feel like it is better to make an effort to get to know that person yourself instead of relying on other opinions. However, that is another issue to discuss at another time.
When I think back to some of the comments people have told me about what they have heard about me, it is always related to how I made others feel. I think this is a good example of your actions speak louder than your words. I do believe that your actions speak volumes and are tied to your feelings and emotions. I also think your feelings and emotions are tied to your faith. I’ve noticed that when others speak of me, they recall my actions as an indicator of the kind of person I am and ultimately how I feel about them. Fortunately, most comments have been positive!
My faith and how I choose to lead are a package deal, although it is not always an easy task. My actions towards others are a reflection of my beliefs. No matter what changes come, the way I treat others is fundamental.
Maya Angelou
I have had leadership roles at other schools and I am fortunate to still have a close relationship with those I worked with in the past. As I have moved on to other positions within the district, there are people who “check up” on the new person. We have all inquired about the “new kid on the block” through a person who has had a working relationship with that person. Granted the information is not always accurate and I personally feel like it is better to make an effort to get to know that person yourself instead of relying on other opinions. However, that is another issue to discuss at another time.
When I think back to some of the comments people have told me about what they have heard about me, it is always related to how I made others feel. I think this is a good example of your actions speak louder than your words. I do believe that your actions speak volumes and are tied to your feelings and emotions. I also think your feelings and emotions are tied to your faith. I’ve noticed that when others speak of me, they recall my actions as an indicator of the kind of person I am and ultimately how I feel about them. Fortunately, most comments have been positive!
My faith and how I choose to lead are a package deal, although it is not always an easy task. My actions towards others are a reflection of my beliefs. No matter what changes come, the way I treat others is fundamental.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
A Day In Your Shoes
I think we have a lack of understanding or gap between generations. One way to bridge that gap is through role play. Not only will this exercise help one generation understand the other, it also activates the whole mind.
However, such excercises are easier said than done. Sometimes I think it is easier for people to complain about the differences than try to find ways to understand the differences of others. I come from the generation where you respected your elders, but now we have a generation empowered to question their elders. This new way of thinking is hard for many teachers because they were not brought up that way. However, I think that the teachers are going to have to make the biggest change and meet the students where they are. If you look through history, the older generations have had to conform to the new generations' ways or risk being out of touch. It is not enough to teach our students, we have to learn and grow with them. This is a scary thought for some because it means we have some changes coming our way.
However, such excercises are easier said than done. Sometimes I think it is easier for people to complain about the differences than try to find ways to understand the differences of others. I come from the generation where you respected your elders, but now we have a generation empowered to question their elders. This new way of thinking is hard for many teachers because they were not brought up that way. However, I think that the teachers are going to have to make the biggest change and meet the students where they are. If you look through history, the older generations have had to conform to the new generations' ways or risk being out of touch. It is not enough to teach our students, we have to learn and grow with them. This is a scary thought for some because it means we have some changes coming our way.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Give me a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Our population becomes more diverse as the decades progress. There are so many cultures and religions that I am exposed to now as an adult that I was never exposed to as a child. For some adults who grew up like I did, not being exposed to a lot of differences, change can be very threatening. The longer I stay in teaching the more I see new teachers entering the profession who are not afraid of the differences but still do not know how to instruct towards those differences. For those teachers who have been in the profession for a while and do not continue their education, I see fear and frustration and a forced way of trying to get all the students within their class to conform to the same needs.
I think for many teachers one issue that has become a barrier to moving on and focusing on the many needs of their students is the issue of respect. For those of US who have been around for a while, we have seen a decline in student respect of their teachers and their environment. In a growing diverse population, students have been taught to be an individual, but unfortunately without consideration of others. However, as a leader in schools, I have also seen a decline of respect from many teachers towards their students. As they say, "It is a two way street." I never thought I would be one to say, 'I remember when I was their age. . .," but I remember when respect worked both ways. Now we require our teachers to respect the diversity of our students, but the students have lost respect for those who teach. I am not saying this is the case everywhere with every child, but respect from both students and teachers has become less prevalent in many classrooms and entire schools.
Teachers must respect their students and be an example to them of what respect looks like and how it feels. I know this is hard for some, especially when you grew up in a time that you were respectful to the teacher no questions asked. If you weren't respectful, you could guarantee that momma would meet you at the door when you got home for your 'consequences' because she respected the teacher as well without question.
When a teacher does not feel respected by a student, it doesn't matter what other needs that student has because most teachers will write that child off. As leaders we need to guide our teachers and schools to adopt schoolwide expectations for students to understand what is expected from them. I think if we can work on getting teachers back a little respect, while providing them with skills to address the diverse needs, they will be more open to the many changes. As result we could be on the road to raising students who are confident in who they are, respectful of others, and well educated.
I think for many teachers one issue that has become a barrier to moving on and focusing on the many needs of their students is the issue of respect. For those of US who have been around for a while, we have seen a decline in student respect of their teachers and their environment. In a growing diverse population, students have been taught to be an individual, but unfortunately without consideration of others. However, as a leader in schools, I have also seen a decline of respect from many teachers towards their students. As they say, "It is a two way street." I never thought I would be one to say, 'I remember when I was their age. . .," but I remember when respect worked both ways. Now we require our teachers to respect the diversity of our students, but the students have lost respect for those who teach. I am not saying this is the case everywhere with every child, but respect from both students and teachers has become less prevalent in many classrooms and entire schools.
Teachers must respect their students and be an example to them of what respect looks like and how it feels. I know this is hard for some, especially when you grew up in a time that you were respectful to the teacher no questions asked. If you weren't respectful, you could guarantee that momma would meet you at the door when you got home for your 'consequences' because she respected the teacher as well without question.
When a teacher does not feel respected by a student, it doesn't matter what other needs that student has because most teachers will write that child off. As leaders we need to guide our teachers and schools to adopt schoolwide expectations for students to understand what is expected from them. I think if we can work on getting teachers back a little respect, while providing them with skills to address the diverse needs, they will be more open to the many changes. As result we could be on the road to raising students who are confident in who they are, respectful of others, and well educated.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Finding a Balance
I felt like my blog was turning into a paper last week, so I am going to try to keep my blogs brief.
I was once told that when you hear the same message from three or more different sources, it is time to listen. So after reading, A Whole New Mind,Leading with Soul, and reflecting on messages during my devotional time; the answer has hit me like a brick. Before a leader is truly equipped to address diverse learners including both teachers and students; the leader must find a balance. This may seem like common sense to some of you, but it is a lesson I have had to learn the hard way. I have always measured my success on how hard I work and if others worked hard I needed to work even harder. I wasn't brought up to believe that work was the only important aspect of your life, but it become my reality and other areas of my life have suffered because of that perception.
Therefore my thought process has changed from a good leader means, "WORK, WORK, WORK!", to finding a balance. As leaders we must take care of ourselves physically, mentally, and spiritually. How can we effectively lead others and address their needs if we cannot address our own needs? I have been taught that there are several qualities that make a good leader such as listening to others, having compassion for others, and having good management skills to name a few. However,I believe it all comes down to being balanced within all the areas of our own lives first and then our approaches to the needs of others second.
I was once told that when you hear the same message from three or more different sources, it is time to listen. So after reading, A Whole New Mind,Leading with Soul, and reflecting on messages during my devotional time; the answer has hit me like a brick. Before a leader is truly equipped to address diverse learners including both teachers and students; the leader must find a balance. This may seem like common sense to some of you, but it is a lesson I have had to learn the hard way. I have always measured my success on how hard I work and if others worked hard I needed to work even harder. I wasn't brought up to believe that work was the only important aspect of your life, but it become my reality and other areas of my life have suffered because of that perception.
Therefore my thought process has changed from a good leader means, "WORK, WORK, WORK!", to finding a balance. As leaders we must take care of ourselves physically, mentally, and spiritually. How can we effectively lead others and address their needs if we cannot address our own needs? I have been taught that there are several qualities that make a good leader such as listening to others, having compassion for others, and having good management skills to name a few. However,I believe it all comes down to being balanced within all the areas of our own lives first and then our approaches to the needs of others second.
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