I talk a good deal about how important veteran teachers have been to me in my formation as an educator. Teachers that have been around for the long haul are essential to a successful and functional school. Period. Full stop.
What do veteran teachers need to do to continue having the impact they've had over the past 2, 3, 4 decades? Continue to get better. Don't stagnate. What does that mean? Master technology.
The concern that districts are trying to phase out older teachers is not as much of a myth as some people make it out to be. By the same token, it's not as much of a nefarious plot either. It's much more subtle than that. The shift to more technology on many campuses, intentional or not, is a soft push that changes the makeup of a campus. Can't keep up with the times? You get left behind. Refuse to comply with campus requirements? OK, bye! This is the wrong way to use technology.
It doesn't make sense to spent an absurd amount of money on technology when several of your staff members have barely mastered email. This isn't being dramatic or speaking in hyperbole. It's a reality that we have teachers that are barely able to use the internet. Despite that some DISD campuses are spending so much money on technology that is trading off with the ability to buy basic supplies for faculty.
I hate this. It hurts teachers and ultimately the students when it isn't done thoughtfully, purposefully, or compassionately. Teachers that have been making a difference for longer than I've been alive are finding themselves on the outside of education because the way people want classes to be taught is changing. I want veteran teachers, especially those who have helped me so much, to be "unleavable." What have I done about it? Trained them one on one to use the technology begin implemented by DISD. Off days, planning periods, and other times they've needed it, I've personally helped veterans learn to use their technology. What did they do in return? Helped me become a better classroom manager, group work facilitator, faster grader, and so many more things that I can't name them all here. We all have something to offer. We're all in this together. So use us as your best resource. Younger teachers are happy to help you just like you help us.
Maybe a little less ceremony and more effective PD would change this. In the mean time, we got you veterans.
Related Articles:
End of Year Reflection - Veteran DISD Teachers
End of Year Reflection - Novice DISD Teacher
Watch a Master Dallas ISD Teacher
Churn of DISD Teachers
DISD PD Reflection Week
TFA helps develop all DISD teachers
What do veteran teachers need to do to continue having the impact they've had over the past 2, 3, 4 decades? Continue to get better. Don't stagnate. What does that mean? Master technology.
The concern that districts are trying to phase out older teachers is not as much of a myth as some people make it out to be. By the same token, it's not as much of a nefarious plot either. It's much more subtle than that. The shift to more technology on many campuses, intentional or not, is a soft push that changes the makeup of a campus. Can't keep up with the times? You get left behind. Refuse to comply with campus requirements? OK, bye! This is the wrong way to use technology.
It doesn't make sense to spent an absurd amount of money on technology when several of your staff members have barely mastered email. This isn't being dramatic or speaking in hyperbole. It's a reality that we have teachers that are barely able to use the internet. Despite that some DISD campuses are spending so much money on technology that is trading off with the ability to buy basic supplies for faculty.
I hate this. It hurts teachers and ultimately the students when it isn't done thoughtfully, purposefully, or compassionately. Teachers that have been making a difference for longer than I've been alive are finding themselves on the outside of education because the way people want classes to be taught is changing. I want veteran teachers, especially those who have helped me so much, to be "unleavable." What have I done about it? Trained them one on one to use the technology begin implemented by DISD. Off days, planning periods, and other times they've needed it, I've personally helped veterans learn to use their technology. What did they do in return? Helped me become a better classroom manager, group work facilitator, faster grader, and so many more things that I can't name them all here. We all have something to offer. We're all in this together. So use us as your best resource. Younger teachers are happy to help you just like you help us.
Maybe a little less ceremony and more effective PD would change this. In the mean time, we got you veterans.
Related Articles:
End of Year Reflection - Veteran DISD Teachers
End of Year Reflection - Novice DISD Teacher
Watch a Master Dallas ISD Teacher
Churn of DISD Teachers
DISD PD Reflection Week
TFA helps develop all DISD teachers
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