I realize that for most educators time is at a premium and so too are the demands to met the needs of all the children in the classroom. Despite all of the previously listed factors, I know that teaching today is much different than it was 5 – 10 years ago and therefore should it not look substantially different as well?
Most teachers would agree to the statement that ‘Teaching has Changed’ but how many would agree that we as a teaching profession are changing to met the needs of our students? This of course begins my journey of researching the obstacles that keep teachers from embracing change. In searching for my answer I went directly to the place my students go when they need an answer – the internet. I became inindated with resource after resource of ways in which to differentiate and engage students within the classroom. I also was able to locate several international and national conferences devoted to improving teaching methods. There did not seem to be a lack of resources or opportunity – so why the reluctance?
I believe that it is not a matter of not wanting to change or recognizing the need to change but the reason may lie in not having the support in changing. I have been lucky enough to witness and be a small part of several teacher transformations the past couple of months. I have teachers willing to step out of their comfort zones and become willing participants in learning and teaching in new mediums. The difference for these individuals has been having a supportive administartion team who recognizes the value in collaboration and experimentation with new ideas and technologies. An overwhelming factor in taking a leap of faith for many has been knowing that failure may occur and that it is o.k – in fact it is seen as an opportunity to learn. Perhaps if more schools and divisions gave teachers the opportunity to teach without the fear of failing, more teachers would change the way in which they “teach”.
” Failure doesn’t mean you are a failure… it just means you haven’t succeeded yet”
~Robert Schuller