A lifelong learner never stops learning. As a teacher I have learned many lessons. Among them, this is some of my most cherished learning:
- relationships are the backbone to almost everything that matters in school
- all students learn on a continuum; teaching is now translated to that continuum
- assessment is a guiding principle to give me direction in my work
- what I do matters and makes a difference in the world
- having a big picture idea will benefit everyone
- start everything with the end in mind
- to do a little thing is not a little thing - make a difference in your teaching by going the extra mile
- students need positive learning models; most teachers excel at that
- the talents of individuals and the possibilities of success should never be underestimated
- teaching and risk taking work together and will benefit schools with major impact
- students will achieve when you raise the bar just high enough and support them; students want a challenge for the most part
- school leadership is only as strong as the follower-ship that embraces it
While some of these may seem “rose-colored” in nature, it would serve us well to always be open to growth and change to meet, and exceed our potential. The same holds true for the students whose lives we impact. There must be joy and passion in our work with students.
Kevin Bauer has been a teacher for 33 yrs. Working in provinces and Europe, he has taught Pre-K to College. Currently, Kevin is a principal of an elementary school.