This is the third blog in a five-week series for the month of March featuring “GUMBO” tips. Here we go with the letter: M
MAKE CONNECTIONS
Successful teaching is not done in a silo, so you must learn to make connections now because they will pay off in the future. Talk to the other teachers and student teachers at the school you are currently serving. If not for some solid adult conversation, then just to get ideas that you can use in your own classroom. Ask questions until you get answers. The success of education is rooted in ideas, so get as many as you can and keep them in the Rolodex of your mind. If you are forgetful like me, put them in a binder for future use. Your connections may help you find a job, so don’t be afraid to speak up.
I’ve learned so much in my journey as Recruitment Manager from other school districts. Although we are competing for great talent, we must be willing to make connections to ensure the posterity of this great profession. I’ve been able to connect recent graduates from colleges and universities in my area to school districts in other states, because they were planning on relocating. You are probably asking “Why?” but I honestly believe that every child deserves a great teacher no matter where they live. We must be willing to share best practices with our colleagues and build positive partnerships that are mutually beneficial. School districts and College of Education programs must connect with each other.
Daphne Donaldson, Recruitment Manager
East Baton Rouge Parish School System
Baton Rouge, Louisiana