Teaching is a Learning Profession
As a teacher, it is critical to continue growing as a learner. New experiences can show different perspectives and broaden a teacher's range of teaching skills and knowledge. There are many ways that teachers continue to learn throughout their career. Below is a list of some ways that I continue to focus on my own education as I become the teacher I would like to be.
Me with my mentor, Ann-Marie Konyha
01
Collaborating With Other Social Studies Teachers
At my time at Liberty Middle School, I had the opportunity to work along-side my mentor, Ann-Marie Konyha, who has taught social studies for about 22 years. To continue learning as a teacher, one of the main ways I did this was by collaborating with her. In the classroom, I was able to get feedback throughout the day so that I was able to adjust my lessons as needed. We brainstormed ways we could better help our classes and used each of our experiences to better tailor what we wanted to discuss in class. We also collaborated with another teacher, Erica Saks. We frequently met together as a group to design units and lesson plans for our social studies classes. By exchanging experiences and ideas, we were able to create a wide range of activities and lessons, as well as incorporating several perspectives. We are able to learn from each other, and they have continued to encourage and push me to try strategies outside of my comfort zone.
02
Observing Other Teachers
Another way that I have continued to grow as a learner is by observing other teachers. Each teacher has their own distinct teaching style and process as to how to handle situations. By observing these strategies in actions, I learned about several different options of how I can regulate my own classroom. Each time I visit a different teacher, I absorb ideas that I like and add it to my own classroom. There are also times that I find ways that I don't think will fit my own style, so I learn what I do and do not want to try. Every teacher brings their own unique perspective into their class, and by looking at the different ways people can teach, it shows me new strategies that I might not think of on my own. Throughout the past couple of years, I have observed several different teachers from a variety of grade levels and subjects, each bringing something different to the table.
Bryan Boyd, 8th Grade U.S. History Teacher
03
CNN10
One of the easiest ways to stay updated on world events is through CNN's daily 10-minute show called CNN10. Everyday, we show this program to our homeroom class at the very beginning of the school day. This show gives a brief overview on the most important current world events, and it includes both political and cultural affairs. By watching CNN10, I learn something new either about something that is happening in my own country or something that is happening elsewhere. It is important to learn about all of these things because they impact all of us in some way and can open our minds to new ideas and perspectives. This show not only allows me to grow, but it also provides new information that I can tie into my social studies lessons. CNN10 has a show every weekday and provides current, accurate information that both my students and I can learn from.
04
Traveling
One of the best ways I have continued learning is by traveling. By travelling to places I've never been before, I absorb new ideas and gain perspectives that I previously had not understood. It's very important to me to get out of my comfort zones and explore new things, as this can positively affect my work and understanding in the classroom. Not only do I learn more about other cultures and other's experiences, I also learn about history by seeing physical items or locations that were pertinent to historical events. It deepens my knowledge and continues to motivate me to continue reaching out to new opportunities that will help me grow.
I have been to several places that have helped me continue to learn. Some of the most influential places I've been to are Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston. These are only some of the places I have been in the United States, and they are the most historical places. I have been to several homes of key historical figures (Mount Vernon, Monticello, Paul Revere's home, and more). In addition to seeing places around the U.S., I have also traveled in Europe. In college, I studied abroad in Tours, France for 2 months in the summer and took the chance to visit many surrounding areas including northern Italy, London, and Belgium.
I love traveling and have found that it is one of my favorite ways of learning. Being immersed in another culture broadens your outlook and teaches you things you never thought you would learn about. I will continue to take trips to learn about other areas and unique moments in history. Next up on my list is Charleston, SC to see Fort Sumter!
Independence Hall, Philadelphia, PA - Summer 2017
Monticello, Virginia - Spring 2020
Château de Villandry, France - Summer 2019