The video titled "Because of a Teacher: A Thank You Letter to Teachers" is a heartfelt tribute expressing gratitude to educators like you for their profound impact on students' lives. It acknowledges the dedication, patience, and passion teachers bring to their profession, highlighting how their efforts inspire and shape the future.
The video serves as a reminder of the significant role teachers play in fostering learning and personal growth.
Answer only one question of your choice:
What strategies can you use to create a positive, lasting impact on your students?
ReplyDeleteAs educators, we don’t just teach lessons—we shape lives. The impact we have on our students goes far beyond academics. It’s in the small moments: a word of encouragement, a high-five after a tough math problem, or the way we create a classroom that feels like home.
One of the best ways to make a lasting impact is by building strong relationships. When students feel seen, heard, and valued, they’re more likely to engage in learning. A simple smile, remembering their favorite book, or celebrating their successes can make all the difference.
Creating a safe and inclusive space is also essential. Every student should feel welcome and respected. Using culturally diverse books, music, and celebrations ensures that all voices are represented. Clear expectations and a structured environment, like the CHAMPS program, help set the tone for positive behavior and independence.
Learning should be engaging and meaningful. Hands-on activities, project-based learning, and incorporating student interests make lessons come alive. Flexible seating and movement-friendly strategies help meet the needs of all learners.
Most importantly, we must model the growth mindset we hope to instill. Showing perseverance, enthusiasm, and kindness teaches students that learning isn’t just about getting the right answer—it’s about the journey.
At the end of the day, our greatest impact isn’t measured in test scores. It’s in the confidence a student gains, the love of reading they develop, and the belief that they can achieve anything. That’s the kind of impact that lasts a lifetime.
Strategies I use to create a positive lasting impact on my students is by building strong relationships. I sometimes let students come in for lunch and they're free to talk about anything on their mind or their interests. I keep note of these interests and find areas where I can include their interests to keep them engaged in lessons. This shows them that I was listening and cared to include what they liked. When they mention having upcoming events, I'll ask them about it the next day or the following week. Allowing them to have a space to just talk helps them know this is a space they can come back to even after they move to the next grade.
ReplyDeleteAs an educator I see myself pushing the students to become the best version of themselves. It is true that in order to motivate the students you have to be motivated to see their growth. Just don't applause the A student you must also praise the student who might have gotten an F on this test or quiz and the next time they received a D. Just a little praise can take that student farther and let them know that you see that they are trying. The next time that grade could be a C or B on the next quiz or test because they know that you care and take notice of them. In my experience students stop caring when they feel nobody care about them. I tell my students all of the time that I need them to be my doctor, lawyer, engineer, firefighter, or police officer. No matter what they want to be in life it is my job to help them get their and believe in themselves that they can have whatever they want in life and nobody can stop them except for themselves.
ReplyDeleteHow do you see your role as a teacher in shaping students' futures?
ReplyDeleteI see my role as a teacher to help shape students' futures basically by being there for them and encouraging them. The role of a teacher is not done when they move off to a new school. I have that belief as long as there is a way for me to still communicate with them and let them know that I am here to help, that is how I am helping shaping their lives. The other ways I am shaping their lives is by encouraging them everyday to try their best. In trying their best and working their hardest, I am teaching them in a safe setting that times can be hard, but showing them to push past that difficult part. Showing them they are able to do it will help them see that they are able to get through the difficult times.
What strategies can you use to create a positive, lasting impact on your students?
ReplyDeleteI strive to create a positive, lasting impact on students, which requires a multifaceted approach that nurtures their growth and development. First, fostering a supportive and inclusive classroom environment is essential, as well as recognizing individual strengths and weaknesses and celebrating diversity in learning styles. Building strong relationships with students creates a sense of trust and safety, empowering them to take risks and express themselves. Incorporating engaging, hands-on activities that relate to real-world scenarios can ignite curiosity and inspire a love for learning. Additionally, consistent feedback, both positive and constructive, helps students recognize their progress and motivates them to strive for improvement. Encouraging collaboration and peer interaction cultivates teamwork skills and helps create a sense of community. Lastly, instilling a growth mindset by promoting resilience and perseverance can empower students to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. By implementing these strategies, I can create a vibrant learning atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression on their students’ lives.
I feel that it is important to self-reflect for any teacher looking to improve. As an educator, it’s important to take time after each lesson to think about what worked well and what could have been better. Teachers should ask themselves are students engaged, if they understood the material, and how they can adjust future practices. I feel that professional growth is a key component of becoming a better teacher, therefore attending workshops, conferences, or taking specialized courses can help teachers gain new perspectives and techniques. After watching the video, I feel that effective communication is vital for both teaching and managing a classroom. Educators should start each lesson by outlining clear objectives, so students know what to expect. Breaking down complex topics into simple, digestible parts makes the material easier to understand and using visual aids, examples, and demonstrations to reinforce your points.
ReplyDeleteI believe that a calm and inviting classroom with a foundation of allowing the student to give ideas and thoughts which will help me obtain some strategies that could help me help the students be successful in school as a self contained class or any class . Students need to be able to be comfortable with how they learn in a education setting.
ReplyDeleteThe Anonymous post is mine.
ReplyDeleteAs a kindergarten teacher, I am the foundation of starting my students' education. I believe that creating a fun and safe environment is essential in motivating young learners to enjoy school and develop a love for learning. By fostering curiosity, building confidence, and supporting their social and emotional growth, I help shape their future success. The habits and skills they develop in my classroom—such as problem-solving, teamwork, and perseverance—set the stage for their lifelong educational journey.
ReplyDeleteComing in as a Math teacher, I knew I would come across many students who dislike math because it is difficult for them and/or because they haven't come across a teacher who let them open up in a math environment. I always knew I wanted to help students fall in love with math. I wanted to change their mindsets on the difficult aspects in math as something hard, to something that challenges them. I feel like have this role in their life is going to help them with anything in their life. If they can find benefits to challenges in their lives they can conquer anything.
ReplyDeleteI believe that one of the most important strategies to use is building strong relationships. Students tend to respond better and work harder when they know that their teacher cares about them. I work to build these relationships all school year. It can be as simple as allowing students to stay for lunch and chat about anything. My students enjoy being able to talk about their likes and dislikes and finding common interests that we share. I also try my best to show up for them inside and outside of the classroom. If I know they play sports and have games, I show up when they ask me to. I also find ways to be involved in spaces beyond the class like drama and afterschool when the structure can be more relaxed and fun. When I think back to my younger years, the teachers who I remember most were the ones who led with kindness but pushed me to be my best. I try to foster that same environment in my own classroom. My students understand that I have high expectations for them, but they also know that it is because I care about each of them individually.
ReplyDeleteHow do you see your role as a teacher in shaping students' futures?
ReplyDeleteI see my role in teacher as enforcing discipline and hardwork that positively effect the students future. Showing them the regular basics of how to conduct yourself within a classroom setting. Showing respect for themselves within learning and also respect for their classmates.