7. Two parts: Moms as Teachers and an EOG Bumper Crop

7. Moms as Teachers and an EOG Bumper Crop

This we believe (NMSA, 2010).

Leaders are committed to and knowledgeable about this age group, educational research, and best practices. Committed Leaders

Part I
Earlier in the year I contacted one or our seventh/eighth-grade teachers, who has two small children, to share how she balanced family and school. Before we finished this posting, we found out her eighth-grade students performed well on the 8th-grade social studies exam. Her advice speaks to our need to balance and understand the nature of young adolescents. I shared, the following:

I am always amazed at how parents of small children manage teaching, and all the details outside the classroom. I am wondering if you would be willing to give advice to those who are planning to teach, on how to navigate your role as mom and teacher.

The following is her response:

Give 110% while at school. No time for small talk. I keep big pictures of my girls in my room. It is a constant reminder of why I am here. It also shows my students I'm a dedicated mother.

When you're home, you're 'mom,' period. Second, you're a wife or husband. Third, you're your own person. Lastly, you're a teacher. I'm not undermining the profession or your commitment to it, but you have to put your personal life first when you're not at school.

I always tell myself, "If I'm not a good mother, I can't be a good teacher." At the end of the day, being a mother has made me a better teacher. That's not to say I never do work at home, but I know I can't count on having time every evening to grade or plan. Weeknight evenings can be unpredictable once home and I've learned to go with the flow the next day if plans aren't 100% intact. Truly, students can always use a little extra time or more explanation on a topic already taught.

Don't stress over small stuff at school. Sometimes an assignment may be graded a little later than I would like. When this happens, I'm upfront with my students about it. This shows them I'm human living in a not-so-perfect world too.

Don't be afraid to ask for help. Countless teachers before you have been in the same boat and countless will come after you. You'll have plenty of opportunities to pay-it-forward.

Part II So then, after our kids tested all week, we heard that 89% of her eighth-grade students passed the eighth-grade social studies test. WoooHoooo!!! We were excited to hear this. How fun to get to celebrate their success. So, I pressed on…

“Great news about your scores,” I shared.
Please share advice I can share with my social studies teachers about preparing their students for the test !! WhoooHoooo!!!!


She responded…

Thank you!

Well, to start, our team didn't have inclusion or AIG students. Second, we read, read, and then read some more. I taught reading strategies (Thinking Tracks that I learned while at Asheville Middle School). I read out loud to them and model the strategies. Eighth graders still love to be read to! They were required to do Thinking Tracks on every document we read the entire year. This keeps them engaged in the text and they are less likely to get "lost" or lose interest in difficult documents.

I always tried to create a positive classroom environment that was fun, inviting and a place they felt valued. Starting with the Revolutionary War we would listen to time period music while they worked. This was especially interesting during the 1960s. Sometimes I feel like a saleswoman in the classroom, and I'm trying to get students to buy into whatever I'm doing, without them knowing it.

The day before the test we party. I call it, "The day before the big fight." We listened to Eye of the Tiger (Rocky), You're the Best Around (Karate Kid), Firework (Katy Perry), Fight Song, and other positive, upbeat songs. I then go over my "Mommy To-Do List." The night before the test: Go to bed early while reading their review packet (This is guaranteed to help them fall asleep QUICKLY!). The morning of the test: Eat a high protein, high-fat breakfast. This is the only time I promote fast food breakfasts! They then pass notecards around and write positive notes to each other and give each other stickers.

Advice:

1) Balancing your life as a teacher and parent, as a teacher and friend, is so important. It is so hard to do your first year. Keep an eye on your “balance factor.” By “balance factor,” I am referring to your own personal, social, emotional, physical, spiritual, and intellectual life. Don’t forget what fills your bucket, and take time for you.
2) Testing is a culminating experience. Creating a culture of care and review throughout the year provided the right mix for her eighth graders. Her activities were laced with much reading and analyzing texts. When there is a reason to celebrate, celebrate with your colleagues! Celebrate big!
3) Find someone to be your mentor and to help you navigate your year. Teachers have lots of ideas on how to help prepare their students for the End of Grade testing. Consider working as a team to come up with common strategies and celebrations across your team.
4)     Ultimately, your commitment to teaching must be balanced with taking care of yourself and your students. (: