Lessons in higher education: What California can learn
Keeping California public university options open
Superintendents: Well-paid and walking away
The debt to degree connection
College in prison: How earning a degree can lead to a new life
Library or police, a small town’s struggle puts a spotlight on library inequities across California
It seems as though each week there is a new trend on social media that teens are obsessed with. Students come into my classroom saying the most random slang terms, ones that make my brain hurt just trying to understand. One time, a student was impressed that I wore Vans shoes because they didn’t think my age group knew about them (I’m in my 30’s…).
With all these trends and slang constantly changing, it’s enough to make you dizzy. While it’s easy to write off these trends, roll our eyes, and make a comment about today’s youth, instead we should learn from them. Taking time to keep up with trends can help you connect with your students and even your own children.
If we think back to the teachers who made a difference in our lives, I highly doubt it was because of their curriculum or how they graded. Most of us look back on our former teachers with love because of how they connected with us. Making the effort to connect and understand students will greatly benefit your classroom management and the overall culture of the room.
Let’s be honest, teachers aren’t in the profession for fame and money. We are here because we love students and working with them brings us joy. Now that I am a veteran teacher I can feel that joy leaving sometimes. I feel the weight of the profession and I often have to take a step back to refocus.
Remembering what brought me to this profession helps me realign and enjoy my job again. These kids, no matter what grade level you teach, deserve a teacher that truly enjoys sharing space with them. While they may be a little odd sometimes, they can also be wonderfully weird and bring so much joy to all.
•••
Kati Begen is a mom to three children, a high school biology educator, and a credential coach in Fresno.
The opinions expressed in this commentary represent those of the author. EdSource welcomes commentaries representing diverse points of view. If you would like to submit a commentary, please review our guidelines and contact us.
The system has enrolled more in-state residents, but not enough to meet targets set by the state.
Two prominent organizations say the proposal would dismantle progress made to improve reading instruction for those students.
Fresno City College professor Tom Boroujeni is unable to fulfill his duties as academic senate president while on leave, the latest update reads.
This is a continuing EdSource series on proven innovations in higher education that relate to the problems facing California’s higher education systems.
Comments
Comments Policy
We welcome your comments. All comments are moderated for civility, relevance and other considerations. Click here for EdSource's Comments Policy.