In his article, Redefining Teachers with a 21st Century Education Story, psychologist Thom Markham discusses the swinging pendulum that is the American education system. He describes how it has swung back and forth over the past century and a half between a "scientific, strict outcomes, measurable results" method and a "hands-on, better citizenship, student-oriented" approach. This is in stark contrast from the environment and culture offered by the highest ranking businesses and organizations.
Markham elaborates on his vision of the teaching profession. He explains that teachers are "co-creating a future that no one can imagine" and that "the concerns of teachers everywhere have converged, and every forward-focused teacher can be not just a local teacher, but part of connected network of educators trying to rally the world on behalf of youth." He goes on to say that we should "redefine smart" as it "includes grit, resiliency, empathy, curiosity, openness, creativity, and evaluative thinking."
It's exciting to think that I'm part of this story, especially as I've only just begun to do my part. Markham encourages us to share our insights, thoughts, and experiences whether face to face or through other means. I've begun to do just that. Some educators may not like the idea of discussing their failures and their profession over the Internet with other teachers whom they've never met, or perhaps they feel they don't have the time to do it. They may not believe me, but they are missing out on an opportunity to not only improve themselves, but to help other teachers grow.
Reference:
Markham, T. (2015, February 11). Redefining Teachers with a 21st Century Education ‘Story’ [Web log post]. Retrieved from: http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2015/02/11/redefining-teachers-with-a-21st-century-education-story/
Markham elaborates on his vision of the teaching profession. He explains that teachers are "co-creating a future that no one can imagine" and that "the concerns of teachers everywhere have converged, and every forward-focused teacher can be not just a local teacher, but part of connected network of educators trying to rally the world on behalf of youth." He goes on to say that we should "redefine smart" as it "includes grit, resiliency, empathy, curiosity, openness, creativity, and evaluative thinking."
It's exciting to think that I'm part of this story, especially as I've only just begun to do my part. Markham encourages us to share our insights, thoughts, and experiences whether face to face or through other means. I've begun to do just that. Some educators may not like the idea of discussing their failures and their profession over the Internet with other teachers whom they've never met, or perhaps they feel they don't have the time to do it. They may not believe me, but they are missing out on an opportunity to not only improve themselves, but to help other teachers grow.
Reference:
Markham, T. (2015, February 11). Redefining Teachers with a 21st Century Education ‘Story’ [Web log post]. Retrieved from: http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2015/02/11/redefining-teachers-with-a-21st-century-education-story/