We Do This Everyday #1

What I have learned from teaching with the World of Learning

Last week I sat down with Melissa and Barb to ask them about their experience with virtual learning. Both Melissa and Barb are veteran teachers who have spent many years teaching World Languages in public schools. I met Melissa at an IU8 networking event and was immediately impressed with her passion for teaching and her excitement for learning how to continue to grow as a teacher. On a visit to Barb’s school, her Assistant Principal insisted I meet her - she told me Barb was the best instructional coach, but an even better teacher! They both have so much to offer!

I admire these two teachers for their ability to recognize the need to keep learning and growing, despite being in the profession for a long time. 

Our conversation today highlighted so many of the reasons I love working with them. 

Here are a few of my favoirtes:

1. They continue to be surprised by what they can learn. At 2:42 they discussed making connections in the virtual setting. Their insights are spot on - kids want to be ‘seen’ and heard. 

2. 4:15 I highlight the new phrase ‘teacher intelligence’ - Melissa and Barb both use all of the aspects of intelligence in working to engage and connect with their students and content. 

3. Support when learning new things is important. We need help from not only administrators but also colleagues.

4. Barb highlights some of the reasons mentoring is so important at 9:11. They discuss how being new in any teaching role can be overwhelming - check out how they help other teachers to do well. 

5. We are all in this together - yet sometimes people can feel insecure, judged or isolated, which makes it hard to share and collaborate. At 15:00 they talk again about how not to overwhelm folks.

6. The future may look different in light of teacher shortages! At 21:00 Barb and Melissa give some insights into the struggles of being teachers in such interesting times.

Listening to this podcast will make you smile. When you get a moment please take some time to listen to these amazing teachers. They truly are and have been on the frontlines during COVID.  I am thankful for their support at the World of Learning - for all of us and our colleagues. 

Here are two tools they highlighted at the conclusion of our podcast. 

Melissa: Blooket

I love to use a game called Blooket. My students are big gamers and often ask to play. It is especially nice because it uses whatever pre-set list you create to play a variety of different game formats-there are 12 game options.

Barb: Edupuzzle

I love how I can assess listening with EdPuzzle. Students love being able to watch a video and then give their answers. Our whole school is using it now!! 

Thanks again and come back and visit us at substack or wherever you get your podcasts.