Bruce Lear lives in Sioux City and has been connected to Iowa’s public schools for 38 years. He taught for eleven years and represented educators as an Iowa State Education Association regional director for 27 years until retiring. He can be reached at BruceLear2419@gmail.com
When the last firework explodes, the calendar accelerates. School, a distant memory in June becomes a focus in July. There’s a lot to do and a short time to do it.
In early August, teachers cram in their last vacation amid thoughts of seating charts, lesson plans, and getting classrooms ready. Veteran teachers know the first days are consumed by speeches, and smiles with little time to get ready.
Some feel hopeful anticipation, while others feel a tingle of fear, and dread but all want a positive start. Here are some suggestions for a positive start.
TEACHERS:
Thanks for teaching. For new teachers, you’ll find your classroom doesn’t come with a waiting room. You won’t have the luxury of solving one problem at a time. Each period you’ll have an audience of about 30 with 30 different learning styles waiting for the show to begin. They’re scared too.
Lean on veteran teachers when you’re overwhelmed. You can do this even though college and student teaching may not have prepared you. When it’s clicking and a class is with you, it’s a rush. Let those times sustain you when you’re still at school on a Friday at 6:00 PM.
Veteran teachers, please nurture new teachers. I know you have more on your plate than it can hold, but the profession needs new teachers willing to try. You were there once. Help them when you can. Both veterans and newbies try to protect yourselves, so you don’t burn out.
It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Police officers and firefighters always need backup when they go into tough situations. Educators do too. If you haven’t been a member or are just starting, the Iowa State Education Association is your backup.
PRINCIPALS:
I know you have a tough job. You’re in the middle between teachers and support staff in your building and top administration. Always error on the side of supporting folks in the building. Educators love loyalty.
Your job is a little like a tight end in football. You’re frequently called on to make a play. You also must block so others can do their jobs.
That means you sometimes run interference when a hysterical parent attacks. If a teacher is struggling, make them better. The teacher shortage is real. Try to keep the ones you have.
You can’t manage adults. You can lead them. Educators will leap tall buildings for a little recognition and praise. During those days before kids arrive, the best staff development is letting teachers work in their rooms.
Don’t hire your second cousin just because they’re your second cousin. That never ends well.
PARENTS:
Teachers don’t want to co-parent with you. They do want to partner with you in your student’s education. Please come to parent-teacher conferences, help with homework, and read the notes from school. Ask questions about what’s happening.
If there’s a book you think shouldn’t be in class or in the library, read the book yourself rather than having other people tell you why it’s bad. Your school board has a policy about adding and removing books. Check it out.
SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS:
Thanks for doing a sometimes thankless, volunteer job. Please don’t overreact when parents or community groups complain about books or classroom discussions. Trust your administrators and teachers.
Please do what you can to reduce the amount of testing and use the time for teaching. The old farmer was correct: if you constantly weigh a pig instead of feeding it, you’ll always have a skinny pig.
Every year is a new beginning. A classroom is really four walls with dreams inside. Let’s work together so all those dreams come true.
Top photo is by Drazen Zigic, available via Shutterstock.