How Educators Build Walls and Bridges in Schools

Being an educator today requires a lot of training, skill and experience. It also includes knowing about people, having relational skills, and effective communication. Planning, preparation and time management play a big part in the life of any educator. Then, more time is spent inspiring children and reassuring parents that their child can reach specific academic, social and emotional goals. In all of this work, educators constantly build walls and bridges in schools. 

Educators Build Walls When They ...

1. Fail to listen to others, especially to those they serve like children, parents and those they work with. 

2. Think they can "teach" alone and do not need to collaborate with their colleagues. 

3. Stay in their comfort zone and do not take risks. 

4. Excuse not doing something on not having enough time. 

5. Use "if only" a lot. 

6. Exhibit an "I taught it and they didn't learn it" attitude. 

7. Offer after school solutions to "in class time" problems they can only solve. 

8. Lay all the blame on parents. 

9. Refuse to learn another language even though it might help them communicate with their students or parents better. 

10. Wait for "Superman" or "Superwoman" to change state, district or school policies and programs. 

Educators Build Bridges When ...

1. They listen more without judgment.

2. Rely on colleagues for answers, feedback and ideas. 

3. Create their own PLNs (Professional Learning Networks) because they need it, not because they were mandated by an administrator. 

4. Take risks and fail a lot. They are not afraid to learn and fail because they are life-long learners. 

5. Never waste their time comparing or criticizing their students, classrooms, and instructional practices. They use the time they have and keep it moving. 

6. Ask themselves: "What do I do now with my students who did NOT learn? What do I do with those students who DID learn?" 

7. Know their students and what they need and provide it to them during class time because they rely on data and best practices. 

8. Help educate parents via ideas and best practices so they can support their child at home. 

9. Find ways to communicate with their parents in their native language. 

10. Show up and do the work. Yep, you see it in all they do and in their students. 

There are lots of "walls and bridges" in our schools for many reasons. My purpose as an educator is to focus on learning, ask questions, listen more, help find solutions, and create a positive and collaborative work environment.  My  purpose is to also involve and help others do the same.

The school year is in full swing now.  Ask yourself:

How do I build (or tear down) walls in my classroom or school? 

How do I build bridges? 

Hoping your school year is filled with much learning and success for all. 

I would love to hear your thoughts and comments.  If you have any suggested readings, blogs or authors to follow, let me know.