Life is full of things we have to do that we don’t necessarily want to do (the endless pile of laundry to wash is one example). Here is a brief list of things that as an educator I have to do, and those I want to do.
Have To:
- Assign letter grades
- Give standardized assessments
- Wake up early to be at work early
- Go to meetings
- Teach children at their level
- Engage students in their own learning
- Build relationships
Want To:
- Have fun with my students
- Put a smile on each child’s face
- Teach children at their level
- Engage students in their own learning
- Build relationships
- Watch the confidence on a child’s face when she discovers something new she has learned
- Collaborate with other educators who care about kids and good teaching
- Grow professionally every day
So I liked this topic, but as I started thinking about it, there are very few things that I “have” to do as an educator that I don’t also “want” to do. I actually don’t mind meetings when they are focused and worthwhile. I’m not a fan of traditional letter grades and grading systems, but am in favor of showing student growth through performance-based measures (and standards-based mastery). Standardized tests are not fun for anyone. Period. And there are many, many better ways to show what students have learned and mastered. But, even with a couple of things I have to do, I hold a lot of power in making the “wants” happen each day in my career. For that, I’m very thankful.
