Week Three

What role does professional satisfaction play in the effectiveness of a classroom?

Before reading the third part in Dave Burgess book Teach Like a Pirate, I would have said that professional satisfaction plays a small role in an effective classroom. However, after reading, I would say that it plays a major part in how effective teachers classrooms. 

First, as a teacher "we are in a service profession" (Burgess) so that means we are always looking to better ourselves. At the end of each day we think back and analyze how our day went. We go home and cook dinner, take care of our families and prepare for the next day all while reflecting on what we could have done better. How could we have taught that lesson differently, reacted differently, each decision continuously running through our heads even as we lay down to sleep. 

Secondly, the way we are teaching is changing. New technology is being introduced at such a high rate that once you learn a program there is a new and improved one just being released. Take the time to learn about the technology, students will react to it, and use it as a way to enhance the lesson. Teachers are also responsible for more of the social emotional child than ever before. If we can't meet the needs of these students emotionally then there is no way that we will reach them academically.  

Lastly, we must rely on our own inner satisfaction because there will be is no external. People are always looking to put teachers down, its the easy thing to do. "When criticism comes, take a moment to evaluate it" (Burgess) if it is something you can use to improve your craft great, if not move on. If you taught a killer lesson, tell people about it. If that student who you've been trying to reach all year finally opened up to you, tell people about it. We have to be able to toot our own horns once in a while to feel that satisfaction.


Find a great group of teachers and use them to help you improve, "take counsel from a wide variety of people and see out multiple perspectives." (Burgess) Get involved with social media, there are tons of groups to join with people willing to give feedback and ideas on new lessons. Be proud, be great and continue to grow.

Sources:
Burgess, D. (2012). Teach like a pirate: Increase student engagement, boost your creativity, and 

transform your life as an educator. San Diego, CA: Dave Burgess Consulting.