What Great Teachers Do Differently - Book Review

I just read this book What Great Teachers Do Differently, 14 things that matter most, by Todd Whitaker. I want to reflect on how I think about it, so that I learn a little bit more than just reading it.

I enjoyed the first half of the book, but the latter chapters were a bit annoying. I was annoyed because he uses logic that I don't totally agree with. For example, "You don't have to like all of your students. You have to make it seem like you like all of your students." I think that's just sad. Regardless, the book overall was pretty helpful because it hammers on this topic that I am in the middle of figuring out. The topic is, "What do I believe is possible in a classroom?"

I keep hearing from teachers and principles that in order for our students to learn they have to care about the teacher and know that the teacher cares about them. That's great, I can do that. The challenge I'm facing is about whether I truly believe that every student can achieve success in the classroom. In order to effectively challenge and teach each student, I have to believe that each student can meet expectations of learning math and behavioral discipline.

When it comes down to the wire, I believe that each student has the potential to learn math and behavior, and to learn it well. Do I think that a classroom of 30 students is the place where all 30 will succeed? No. BUT - as a teacher, if I can communicate my passion and belief in my students, they can carry that with them to the environment that will provide math skills. I DO believe that each student has the capability to develop gumption, persistence, and discipline, wrapped up with trust in themselves. Those are the skills that a student needs to succeed in academia, trade school, etc.

These are the points from this book - with my comments:
1. Great teachers never forget that it is people, not programs, that determine the quality of a school.
2. Great teachers establish clear expectations at the start of the year and follow them consistently as the year progresses.
3. When a student misbehaves, great teachers have one goal: to keep that behavior from happening again. I would add that the greatest teacher wants to know why a student misbehaved.
4. Great teachers have high expectations for students but even higher expectations for themselves.
5. Great teachers know who is the variable in the classroom: They are. Good teachers consistently strive to improve, and they focus on something they can control - their own performance.
6. Great teachers create a positive atmosphere in their classrooms and schools. They treat every person with respect. In particular, they understand the power of praise.
7. Great teachers consistently filter out the negatives that don't matter and share a positive attitude.
8. Great teachers work hard to keep their relationships in good repair - to avoid personal hurt and to repair any possible damage.
9. Great teachers have the ability to ignore trivial disturbances and the ability to respond to inappropriate behavior without escalating the situation.
10. Great teachers have a place and purpose for everything they do. If things don't work out the way they had envisioned, they reflect on what they could have done differently and adjust their plans accordingly.
11. Before making any decision or attempting to bring about any change, great teachers ask themselves one central question: What will the best people thing?
-I'm not sure I'm on board with any part of this question...
12. Great teachers continually ask themselves who is most comfortable and who is least comfortable with each decision they make. They treat everyone as if they were good.
-I agree with treating all students as if they are good. However, the comfort piece is not something that jives with my thought process.
13. Great teachers keep standarized testing in perspective; they center on the real issue of student learning.
-I agree with focusing on the important piece, learning. However, I also agree with individuals standing up for systematic change if/when it is necessary. For that reason, I think a teacher should be concerned with standardized testing and who benefits and who does not benefit from it.
14. Great teachers care about their students. They understand that behaviors and beliefs are tied to emotion, and they understand the power of emotion to jump-start change.
-I need to find a way to emotionally engage my students on Day 1.

I'm excited to learn more about teaching through experience!

Mrs. Clifton is checking in to stay!

Well, I certainly didn't write down as much as I wanted to during our engagement...so I think it's pretty impressive that my first married post is coming a short 18 days after our wedding day!

Yesterday (June 26, 2012), I finished my errands and tasks to change my name to Tara Jade Clifton. Woo HOO! I primarily am happy that my facebook official name is truly my legal name. I am secondarily happy that I have crossed off tasks from the list-inside-my-head so that I have that much more space for re-studying for the Audit exam. Restudying begins today...

But before studying commences, I need to write some of the feelings and memories that I shared with Emily, because I didn't realize how much I want to capture until I talked to her and she drug this stuff out of me!

The first memory I want to capture is that our wedding was beautiful, everything fell into place, ran (relatively) smoothly (Coordinator Karen dropped a couple of balls - Cresta resolved them of course), our guests had fun, and most importantly - our wedding glorified God! Bmom keeps telling me how people were blessed by our ceremony, our love for each other, etc. Even Kim & Ron decided to have a 'recommitment' to each other, vowing to love each other better & to have more fun. I'm not totally sure if it was just our wedding or the fact that their anniversary is June 10, but I would suspect that both factors added to their renewal.

After we got married, I had some emotions that I didn't expect to come out. I know my emotions are common, so I'm not worried about this. However, I did have a moment in time that I was kind of 'in shock' we were actually married. It felt really surreal that Tyler and I will be together for life, having a new family member; and I guess I could identify with feeling 'scared'. I described to Tyler that it was like I all of a sudden became scared that we have a marriage (almost like a third person in our relationship) that we have to work really hard to protect.
-What if I mess it up?
-What if our marriage gets 'ugly'? 

Those are thoughts that need to be banished because God promises that if we live in Him, Christ's love makes it possible to love one another, no matter the circumstances. I think that third person is the Holy Spirit that Tyler and I share. This feeling is really too new to describe any more tangibly. I suspect I'll have more revelation as God enlightens both of us.

Another interesting feeling I've been having is that now that we're married, it feels like I don't know Tyler as well as I thought I did. Because we're both new people, being one with each other, I am surprised to figure out that I have a new standard in my mind of the level that we have to know each other. So whenever something comes up that I don't know about him, or don't expect, I feel an underlying bit of awkwardness with a side of, 'I should have known that already'! In reality, I'll be learning about him for the ENTIRETY of our marriage, why should I expect anything different? We have only known each other for approximately 10% of each others lives; and people change as we grow - so why should I know everything about him? That'd be boring if I never learned anything more about him!!

Sidenote: there have been so many times that I can't recount (from the past few weeks and before) that Tyler has said something to the effect that shows me that he knows me REALLY well, and that has been a HUGE blessing that God knew I desired before I could really put that into words. I think that as a woman, it is nearly a requirement that the close people in your life have to know you well for emotional relationship to thrive. As Tyler has predicted my thought processes, or done something for me without being asked, or given me something that I wanted but never said, I have been so fulfilled and blessed!

All in all, with the weird feelings, awesome blessings, honeymoon, name changes, moving transition, etc.; being married for the past 18 days has been the best 2+ weeks of my life. I love it. God did a good thing creating a covenant like this.

For the first time, I'm signing off as Mrs. Clifton!

If ____, then GOD.

"It's tough being a woman in the tight fist of fear."

It's not enough to say that God will not let my worst fear happen, that's conditional faith.

I have to be able to say, IF [any fear], then GOD will take care of me. My God is faithful. I've seen that happen before. And yet, fear still comes into my life.

Powerful Beth Moore study: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTUbdkUil6U

Spirit Wind

This past semester has been a whirl wind. In 2 short, beautiful weeks I will be done with my college career! I remember counting down to my arrival at A&M, and man oh man, I was BLINDSIDED by all that I would find down that sweet Highway 6.

I have been reflecting on the fact that I have always had the intention of coming to A&M, getting into PPA, then going to work for a big 4 accounting firm. Now that I am in the throws of finishing this up, I still can attest to the fact that plans for my life are not my own; God has given me a new direction, and a set of circumstances I never expected. My personal examples of God changing my plans are easy to show & tell: Tyler & Austin. I was the first person to say that I wouldn't have a serious relationship in college, and that as soon as it was over I'd be out of the country for an unknown amount of time. Oops. I fell in love with an amazing man of God that reminds me to give up worries & trust God, nearly everyday. A man that makes me pee my pants in laughter, who reaches to the Lord when he sings, a man that holds his ground in ruthless banter with family friends looking to make him embarrassed...and now I'm moving to Austin, TEXAS? Ha, this is going to be good.

The Lord knows what I need, and where I can best serve Him. At 18, I didn't know what God wanted. It is still (obviously) a daily challenge to ask & learn what God wants of me in the moment.

Tonight I was blessed with encouragement, prayer & affirmation by my friends that I study the Bible with each Monday. I got a glimpse of reflection of this semester, realizing that this group of people are exactly what I have needed. A consistent source of God's word, honesty, transparency, a group of people to minister to about their needs & prayers...I could go on, but I won't because I need to write about their prayers for me, and I also need to sleep.

Michael opened by saying that the verse he chose seemed cliche, but after looking at some of my Facebook profile pictures, the verse was just 'Tara Bradley':
"You are the light of the world, A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on the stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16
*I LOVE this verse.

Michael also read the Priestly blessing:
"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." Numbers 6: 24-26

Michael spoke about my confidence to be me in all situations, even if that could be embarrassing to others, ha.

Courtney appreciated the way that I am helpful, and look for ways to give to others.

Zach read the verse that his grandmother gave to him for his life verse:
"Be strong & courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers...Be strong & courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1: 6 and 9

Zach spoke about the fact that Austin might not be too scary, but if I ever am fearful about my purpose & mission in this life, to rely on the fact that God has planned all that is set out. That has been my comfort and prayer, so many times.

One of my favorites:

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10

I have struggled these past few months to determine what God's will is about where I will live starting in January, and really about what God wants from me in the subject of ministry...but as I remember my prayers for 2011, I have seen God more than fulfill them. I am faithful that He will bring my steps to me as I need to know what to do & where to go.

The Spirit is alive & well, keeping me close to the Lord, speaking truth & life...that in itself is an answer to prayer.
[Casting Crowns-Spirit Wind]

Pop's Pickles!

Molly and I made these this weekend:

Ingredients

• 8 pounds small pickling cucumbers


• 4 cups water


• 4 cups distilled white vinegar


• 3/4 cup white sugar


• 1/2 cup pickling salt


• 3 tablespoons pickling spice, wrapped in cheesecloth


• 7 1-quart canning jars with lids and rings


• 7 heads fresh dill


• 7 cloves garlic

Directions

1. Place cucumbers in a large pot and cover with ice cubes. Let them sit for at least 2 hours but no more than 8. Drain and pat dry.


2. Place the water, vinegar, sugar, pickling salt, and pickling spice into a saucepan. Bring to boil, then simmer for 15 minutes.


3. Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Pack the cucumbers into the hot, sterilized jars, filling the jars to within 1/2 inch of the top. Place 1 dill head and 1 clove of garlic into each jar. Pour the hot pickling liquid into the jars, filling to within 1/4 inch of the rim. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids, and screw on rings.


4. Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then carefully lower the jars into the pot using a holder. Leave a 2 inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary until the water level is at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a full boil, cover the pot, and process for 5 minutes, or the time recommended by your county Extension agent.


5. Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). If any jars have not sealed properly, refrigerate them and eat within two weeks. Store in a cool, dark area, and wait at least 1 week before opening.

Our variations:
We used pint size canning jars; used 1 tsp of minced garlic, 1 tsp dill seed, and halved the juice mix as we made it because my pan wasn't big enough to make the 'full' amount. We repeated the canning process three times with three jars each batch. We also didn't know if we should take the jars out of the hot water after 'sterilizing' while putting cucumbers inside them, so we didn't. I'm hoping that keeping everything hot will make the pickles stay crunchy. One jar didn't seal because I accidentally got hot water in it as I tried to put the lid on.

This was a huge mess, but totally worth it. Very fun for us to do together!

9/27 Update: I broke down and tried a pickle (I was supposed to wait until Saturday but I got really hungry last night). In my defense, I ate from the jar that didn't seal, so I didn't mess anything up. I LOVE them. It's kind of weird to eat pickles that don't taste like Vlasics or whatever, but I like them because their mine. Maybe some of the vinegar flavor will dissipate or something after some time. That's what it is, they taste too vinegar-y. The garlic and dill amounts ROCK.

Can't wait for my next canning project. :)

Passion

Ignited my fire again. Made me feel the Holy Spirit. Taught me more than I can learn on my own. Made me convicted, conflicted. Stronger. I need to live it out.

king ranch casserole

jessica and i love krc.

we have made two batches together.
recipe 1:



what we like: corn tortillas

what we don't like: too many ingredients, takes a LONG time

recipe 2:

can corn?
can rotel
can beans?
4 boiled chicken breasts, shredded
tortilla chips crunched up on the bottom of the baking dish
mexican cheese
medium onion, chopped

what we like: crunch of chip

what we don't like: too many onions, chips not crunchy on 2nd day, difficult to get out of the pan bc of the slippery chip bottom.