I'm Not Superman, But I Might Be Batman

I recently won Teacher of the Year at my school. This post is the second in a series of essays I'm writing for the state candidate application form.

Describe your contributions and accomplishments in education:

I'm a guy and I teach in an elementary school. That's not a common combination. I've been told a few times from parents at school that men don't belong in an elementary classroom. I strongly disagree.

I try to be a strong male role model for my students. I contribute a certain strength to many students who otherwise don't have a positive male influence. I bring a different perspective and a different relationship to the classroom for my students.

In addition to my love of books, I also bring my passions for music and technology. I play the guitar and drums for my students and for the school. I bring new websites and technology ideas into my classroom. I believe it is vital that students see their teacher's passions and interests.

My most significant accomplishments as a teacher are the lasting relationships that I've formed with so many of my students. Learning most strongly happens in the context of relationships. My first year of teaching was a kindergarten class in 2004. Those students are now in middle school, and I am so happy that I still communicate with many of them about their lives and learning.

I know I don't need super powers to make contributions and have accomplishments in teaching. I just need to show up with skill, determination, and passion. I need to do the best I can with what I have. Many in education are waiting for Superman, but why isn't anyone waiting for Batman?

Batman doesn't have super powers. He can't fly faster than a speeding bullet or leap over tall buildings in a single bound. He's just a guy doing the best he can with what he has. He has skill, determination, and passion. I'm certainly not Superman, but I might be Batman.

Photo Credit: Joe Crawford (artlung)

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4 People In My Teaching Hall of Fame

I recently won Teacher of the Year at my school.  This post is the first in a series of essays I'm writing for the state candidate application form. 

Describe some of the people who influenced you to become a teacher:

I had a few inspirational teachers in my life as I was growing up.  Mrs. Miles was my fifth grade teacher.  She was full of charm and manners- a true southern lady.  I still remember her joy and enthusiasm.  We had an entire social ecosystem that year, complete with jobs, currency,  a court of law.  She taught me about true classroom community.

Ms. Simmons was my reading teacher in eighth grade.  She had so much passion about the books and stories she shared with us.  I discovered Edgar Allan Poe and William Shakespeare in her classroom.  She taught me that teaching from your heart is a powerful experience.

             

As a high school junior, I found myself in Mrs. Kirk's English class.  She was eccentric, kooky, and old enough to be my grandmother.  The only book I read in high school was The Catcher in the Rye.  I read it in four days because of her.  Her ever present encouragement and support were not put off by my slacker ways.  She taught me to never completely give up on a student.

             

Mrs. Yackel was one of my favorite people in college.  She was my cooperating teacher during the second half of my student teaching.  Her kindergarten class was amazing.  She was always bringing in something new to show her students.  Her different reading voices captivated the class.  Every day was packed with movement and excitement.  She taught me that teaching could truly be a fun and lively adventure each day.

Who is in your teaching hall of fame?
Photo Credit: Coba

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On Being Teacher of the Year

Every year in January, the staff at my school votes for the teacher of the year.  I'm so honored to have won this year!  It is truly a humbling experience to have my peers think so highly of me. It's hard to not be overwhelmed with feelings of validation and respect.  I feel that God has blessed me with the abilities to do this job with excellence.  It's nice to see that expressed in a tangible way.

My school is not a very traditional school, so the traditional bouquet of flowers was not going to cut it.  Instead, I received the above arrangement of Hot Pockets® and toilet paper.  Something for both ends.

Part of the deal is that I have to complete a very detailed series of essay questions for the candidate application form.  I thought I'd share each one in a series of posts this week.

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