Underappreciated

_{As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. All affiliate links are marked with an asterisk (*). This helps support the newsletter. Thank You! Read more here.}

Happy Friday!

Teachers are the experts. Imagine what we could teach each other if we just had the time. I'm excited to share the first Why Edify Wisdom Educator Spotlight this week. I hope this is the first of many. I think you'll enjoy Scott Brunswick's "earned wisdom" in the article below. Maybe you would like to share some wisdom with the Why Edify community. If so, message me, and we can make it happen.

Have a great weekend!

Educator Insights: Wisdom from Veteran Teacher Scott Brunswick on Student Connection and Professional Growth

In our Teacher Spotlight, discover valuable insights from veteran educator Scott Brunswick. Learn about fostering student connections, adapting teaching methods, and the importance of empathy in education. Gain practical wisdom for both new and experienced teachers.

WHY EDIFYJeremy Jorgensen

Here are some questions to ponder as you read this week's newsletter—bonus points for sharing your answers with your social media community. We can connect here. You can also leave your comments at the bottom of the online version of this newsletter.

Reflection Questions for This Week:

1. Consider how you can incorporate error analysis into your own learning or teaching methods. How might embracing mistakes as learning opportunities change your approach to problem-solving or skill development?
2. Reflect on how you perceive and show appreciation for the professionals in your field. What steps can you take to positively impact your profession or industry's morale and public perception?
3. Identify an area in your life where you've accumulated knowledge without taking action. What small, achievable goal can you set to start bridging the gap between knowing and doing? How can you make the process of practice more engaging and less daunting?

1

Math and Mistakes

Learning from mistakes can boost math education efficiency. A study found error analysis was as effective as traditional instruction but took half the teaching time. Success varied among teachers, emphasizing the importance of engaging students in error discussions rather than lecturing. Having students take a practice test just a bit before the final test, followed by an error analysis, would be a good place to start.

2

Underappreciated

Are teachers feeling underappreciated in America today? According to a recent Education Week survey, most teachers believe the public views them negatively, impacting their job satisfaction and performance. This perception is compounded by increased workloads, insufficient resources, and political pressures affecting the education sector. Experts advocate for structural changes, including better pay and attracting highly qualified individuals to teaching, to improve the profession's status and address public misconceptions.

3

The Doing Deficit

Mastering a skill requires active engagement and consistent practice rather than just accumulating knowledge. Emotional hurdles like fear of failure and discomfort with uncertainty often prevent people from taking action. To overcome these challenges, try implementing strategies such as setting small, achievable goals and focusing on the learning process. Educators can support learners by encouraging regular, bite-sized practice sessions and emphasizing the importance of embracing the journey of skill development, rather than fixating solely on end results.

4

You Need Courage

"Whatever you do, you need courage. Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising that tempt you to believe your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires some of the same courage that a soldier needs. Peace has its victories, but it takes brave men and women to win them." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

5

Teacher Commuter Playlist - Na Na Na Na Hey Hey-ey Goodbye by Steam.

Choose Your Own Adventure

• Book Suggestion - "The Growth Mindset Coach"(*ad) by Annie Brock and Heather Hundley. This practical guide helps teachers foster a growth mindset culture in their classrooms. It offers month-by-month strategies to develop resilience, perseverance, and problem-solving skills in students.
• Pick a few simple tasks and rack up some wins.
• Here's a great collection of free, fun Halloween activities.
• It’s good for students to know that their teacher doesn’t hold delusions of perfection.

❤ Enjoy this Newsletter?

🍵 Show Your Support and 🤗 Share It