Teachers Share Their Best Advice—in 6 Words or Less (Opinion)
And finally, here are six words of wisdom from Chris Lehmann, the founding principal of the Science Leadership Academy, a progressive science and technology high school in Philadelphia:
Trust kids. Trust yourself. Trust kids.
These educators have distilled their years of experience and knowledge into concise pieces of advice that can benefit educators at any stage of their career. Whether it’s remembering not to take yourself too seriously, creating awesomeness and sharing it with others, or trusting in both yourself and your students, these six-word mantras can serve as guiding principles in the classroom.
Diana Laufenberg’s advice to not take yourself too seriously is a reminder that teaching is a profession that requires humility and a willingness to learn from both successes and failures. By approaching each day with a sense of humor and a willingness to adapt, educators can create a more positive and engaging learning environment for their students.
Melanie Battles emphasizes the importance of courage in education, recognizing that without the bravery to take risks and try new approaches, progress and growth will be stunted. By stepping out of their comfort zones and embracing challenges, educators can inspire their students to do the same.
Chris Lehmann’s mantra of trusting kids and trusting oneself speaks to the power of building authentic relationships with students and believing in their potential. By fostering a sense of trust and mutual respect in the classroom, educators can create a supportive and inclusive community where students feel empowered to take ownership of their learning.
Overall, these six-word pieces of advice serve as reminders of the core values and principles that should guide educators in their practice. By reflecting on these words of wisdom and incorporating them into their teaching philosophy, educators can continue to grow and evolve in their profession, ultimately creating a more positive and impactful learning experience for their students.
As educators, it is our responsibility to empower and uplift our students. Each child is powerful and capable in their own unique way, and it is important to recognize and nurture their individual strengths. Pronouncing each child’s preferred name correctly shows respect and creates a sense of belonging in the classroom.
Perfection is not always attainable, and that is okay. Striving for excellence is important, but it is equally important to recognize that good is enough. As teachers, we must learn to embrace imperfection and celebrate progress rather than focusing solely on achieving perfection.
It is important to acknowledge when we make mistakes and to apologize when necessary. Our students deserve to hear “I’m sorry” from time to time, as it teaches them the value of taking responsibility for our actions and making amends when we have wronged others.
Education is constantly evolving, and as educators, we must be willing to adapt and grow along with it. Complacency has no place in the field of education; we must continuously seek new ways to engage and inspire our students, as well as improve our own teaching practices.
In conclusion, as educators, we have the power to shape the future through our interactions with students. By recognizing the capabilities of each child, embracing imperfection, apologizing when necessary, and staying open to growth and change, we can create a positive and nurturing learning environment for all students.
