Teachers That Dare to Be Different
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- Опубликовано: 26 июн 2024
- I got a question this week asking how I handle times that I've seen things differently than my colleagues or my team. So what do you do when you dare to be different? This can be a really lengthy discussion, but I've narrowed it down to a few key ideas here. If you have anything to ass please put it in the comments.
Peace-
Reynolds
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Reynolds you remind me of my English teacher in high school. If you were to ask me who was my favorite teacher and you will hear me say Bishop. She did not follow certain rules, she wanted us to learn and also had fun in class. My home life was not that great, but Bishop was there when I needed to talk to or just to cry, her door was always open for me. My 10th grade year seamed to be the year of grounding, when I found a loop hole in the year of grounding, I went to Bishop explained the situation I was in and asked her for help. She told me to see her at the end of the day. Because of Bishop I learned how to research and write papers, something I still love to do today. She is the reason why I went to college, got married, and had children. She was the one that believed in me when no one else did. Don't change my daughter watched a video of yours and "Said if I had Reynolds in high school, school would have been fun for an hour."
I love that saying on your wall "they tried to bury us, they didn't know we were seeds" so POWERFUL! I know I said this before, but you are an amazing teacher. I've been in the game for some time and it's so refreshing to see someone who shares this philosophy. Keep doing what you are doing; you're a difference maker...changing the world one kid at a time!
The saying is actually a lyric by greek poet Dinos Christianopoulos that he wrote in 1978.
That DJ comparison is amazing. Perfectly put! Appreciate you, Reynolds!
I'll second that. Love it. I will definitely think about that in my classroom....if we ever get back!
Hey Mr. Reynolds I came across your videos whilst doing research for a story I'm writing. And I have to say you are an awesome teacher. I work in a school library and I see how discouraged teachers become and quickly become apathetic and don't go above and beyond to reach their students. I hope the boys who pass through your class know how incredibly lucky they are to have the experience of being taught by you--a truly dedicated teacher.
Keep up the work man! Your passion is your joy.
‘Teach like a DJ.’ What a brilliant analogy. 👏🏽
16:28 was a pretty crucial point for me. Like, if you're working with a colleague, and the 'teacher-unorthodoxy' gap between you and them is so huge that it's causing resentment, then the first step has gotta be building them up. And communicating across a big gap like that is gonna require some 'strategic humility' ... both internally (perhaps by downplaying how hard you worked on a particularly inspired idea in order to maintain the impression that teaching 'on your level' is achievable and tenable) and externally (by praising/'yes-and'-ing every creative suggestion or out-of-the-box idea that comes out of that person's mouth!).
You're in a nice position, Reynolds, because even if none of that worked and it became an 'issue' with administration, I bet you have a whole folder full of documented successes over the years to defend your unorthodox methods!
17:00 - you said exactly what I was thinking. I've been re-watching the classic 'teacher movies' recently, and although I love them and have no problem taking inspiration from them where appropriate - I'm trying to make sure I remember that every 'renegade-saviour-teacher' character is surrounded by totally unredeeming 'failure-teacher' archetypes to make the narrative more compelling... and that's not real life! Even if it might be good for my ego to be the sole John Keating in a sea of Neil Perrys, the reality is that other teachers, institutions, curriculums, traditionalist methods - they're never going to be 'all bad' - and it's incumbent upon me to see the good in my colleagues, to actively seek to learn from them, and to work with them as a team instead of doing shit 'on my own, in my own way' to further my own hero complex. Bad faith is a nasty, toxic thing (no matter to what extent it sometimes seems justified!)...
Anyways. All that with the disclaimer that I'm a newbie with very little experience.
Looking forward to the next livestream, man!
“Black sheep”???... I prefer “beacon of everything that a teacher should be”🤪
True. 😂Definitely better put!
I’m happy and excited that you’ve invited me to this party! Thanks for sharing who you are and what you do
Yes to building relationships! No matter the age of the kids you teach!💜
I identify with every bit of this and could not agree more with rule number 1: "I know what I do works, for me and my kids." If you've got that then you're in a good place; anyone that is discouraging that or unwilling to accept that is in the wrong. I love that you noted the community of school and encouraging/influencing to be different and more creative. I am blessed to be in a place that understands that and knows the diversity of teaching styles is our strength.
Also, that turntable is awesome and your room is cool (honestly jealous)... plus any research on the topic will tell you, environment is a big factor in student engagement!
I love this video and agree 100% with you. Some teachers have the magic and are born teachers--we break the mold. At the end of the day, it's always about what's best for my students. Intuition goes a long way. 🙂
I love how you handle the behavior problems in your classroom ! I love how you told the student that was being a little mean to another student to be nice and say something positive to him !It gets the students to think of it in a different way ! When I was in school I got picked on all the time and teacher didn’t care they seen it everyday ! So it keep happing ! I feel like if more teachers were like you and cared about what’s going on in there classroom schools and classrooms would be more happier and safe environment for all students.
That turntable is pretty rad. I'm slowly filling my classroom up with memes, mostly turning my students complaints about me into jokes. :)
Thank you! I'm in an interesting teaching situation where I was the educational assistant to my department and recently became a teacher for the same department. I've doubted myself about my methods as I consistently try to implement differentiated learning. My teaching peers constantly critique my methods and learning environment in a negative light. At the end of it all, as long as my students are learning, having fun, engaging and creating connections with their own experiences, it's definitely all worth it.
I love how kind and respectful you are to your fellow teachers!
Ms. Lynn is out there paralyzed in shock with a fork halfway to her mouth loool
This video speaks to my heart! I teach elementary and even within a team, I sometimes feel that jealous/comparing vibe. I've worked hard to make my room a pleasant environment, and get some passive aggressive comments about that, so I would love to have you do a video on that as well (like you mentioned at the end of this video) . As always, your words speak truth and I thank you for that!
I know this is a year late. But I agree with what you're saying Laura. There are often more people against you when you try to improve the learning environment for students. Sadly.
i love the prelim interventions you suggest before following the regular discipline steps. traditional discipline moments add up quick for a lot of kids and the life lesson gets lost in all the reprimanding. your ideas are great ways to address the issue but keep the kid in class so they can, y'know, learn :)
also -- "...if it's not linked above then this is a scavenger hunt everyone. Enjoy!" i laughed so hard my abs cramped!
Preach. Let your creativity thrive through your teaching.
I LOVE your passion for teaching and your stance on teaching by the curriculum!! Sooooooo good.
I have a co-teacher that deleted my virtual class from our school blog because it was too creative and replaced it with a boring PPT. This inspires me to not to lower my expectations.
I am a sub, sometimes long term. I had a challenging Spanish class. The students were unruly and unmotivated at 6th period. I decided to make the class fun. We played a vocabulary game. It got competitive and the entire class was really in to it. It got loud and I totally got wrapped up in it with the kids so I forgot about thin walls and the class next door. After class the teacher next door said my class was way too loud and disruptive to her class. I apologized and said that the kids were really in to it but we will watch our noise level. This bummed me out because I finally connected with this class but only to be reprimanded later.
I work in AIS and shared a classroom with a teacher last year. I do math with them and we had loud discussions on occasion. Like genuine teaching moments not them messing around and she would scold my students. It was very discouraging to get through to them and then that gets put down. I never reprimanded her students. I am a TA, but I actually now have a small classroom of my own now and couldn't be happier. I do have to close the door on occasion. I can relate. Often, classrooms can be noisy cuz learning is happening which may be through a game.
I always learned so much from your videos. I can tell from experience that when you prepare great activities for your students not only they enjoy, also as a teacher you end up having a great time and enjoy doing your work.
Love this!!! I started at a new school in January, and my style is so different from most other teachers at school. I love doing what I do how I do it and I’ve found great success!
As a teaching student you are an absolute inspiration and your DJ analogy is on point! Thank you for making videos like this!
This was just what I needed to hear. I've been in a Funk. Having issues with students and dept chair. This gives me a lot to think about.
I'm so glad you posted this. I wish I saw this last year. But glad to have this now. I handle things differently but it works for me. Most importantly, the kids are changing for the better. They don't know (kids) how to handle things so we need to guide them and hold them accountable. It's tough but kids should come first. :)
Needed this, thank you.
I really needed to hear this message today.
Thanks so much for this, Reynolds. I’m not even a real teacher yet (student teaching next fall) but I’ve felt like an outsider all throughout my teacher prep program and it’s made me constantly question my decision to go into teaching. Your videos are a huge confidence boost though. Any time I start feeling like this was all a huge mistake, like I’m going to fail miserably, like I’m going to be rejected by my students and my peers, I just watch one of your videos and I’m reminded of why I wanted to go into this profession in the first place. Instead of letting my eccentricities become a source of anxiety, I’m slowly starting to realize that they can be empowering. The prospect of being that weirdo “black sheep” teacher is exciting. Being different from the rest of my peers isn’t a flaw, it’s a gift. Sure, this is more a cliche than it is a revelation, but it’s something that I’ve never learned how to embrace. So anyways, yeah, thanks a lot man, and don’t stop making videos, they’re invaluable.
Dude, 👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊. This video title caught my eye because it really hits home for me. I'll never be of the same cloth of many teachers I've encountered, even as someone looking towards my 1st actual year of teaching. I've taught pre-school and in YMCA programs for years. Also volunteering in the classroom for years and doing student teaching, I have always worried that I wouldn't fit in. I will never change, only to grow more into my own skin, and more towards the best teacher I can be. Thank you so much for this amazing inspiration!!!!!! This goes down as my fav RUclips video ever because it speaks to my SPIRIT AND SOUL! What I found in this goes so much beyond the title. The inspiration I found from your teaching style and ideas will fuel my future practice. May God bless you as you mold and shape these lives for the better!! Keep on keeping on being.....exactly YOU and No One Else!!!
Your channel rocks! A great resource for all teachers.
Reynolds you are so inspirational. I love this video and what you say about fixing issues with conversation with the student. I hate writing parents and documenting behavior. You’re keeping it real.
I appreciate the kind words. Keep up the good work Teach.
Thank you! One of the things that brought me headlong into loving teaching is the creative aspect in developing lessons. I cannot imagine doing something from "a box." My cooperating teacher during internship and I clicked on this point, and he shared how he would always say to his interns to change at least "one thing" of any lesson material you get from somewhere else just to encourage building a unique teacher personality and autonomy....because only YOU know your students! How else can we make learning meaningful if we don't fit it to the students we are with every day?
Engaging to get this channel into other people's algorithm! Nearly everything this gentleman talks about needs to be heard by all. Students and teachers, co-teachers, daycare teachers alike.
Another great video! I work really hard to have great relationships with my students. They're are downfalls. Lol sometimes they share a bit too much or use language that is too casual/inappropriate for a teacher. My principal I've told me that I should really look at what I'm doing that would make students feel that comfortable around me to say those things. He wasn't saying that in a good way, but they're also the first to come to me when they need Intel on the students because I have these relationships. Although I don't always like how informal they get with me, I would rather have to put up with that a few times in order to have them feel like they have an adult to talk to when things really matter.
Bless you. And, thank you for this video!!
Great advice and insight as always! I handle discipline in a similar way and my students have come back to tell me that it has helped them learn to navigate others in high school and at their jobs. The thing that struck me the most was when you said that you can "get away with" what you do. What you describe is great teaching and almost personally differentiated lessons to your students, if anything this is something to be endorsed and all teachers should be doing things to reach their students. I agree with getting others on board and inviting them to try new lessons or methods. I offer my coworkers my supplies if they ever want to do a room transformation or hands on activity and I offer to help them set up their lesson or supplies. I feel like that takes some of the fear out out it and once they see that it works they are motivated to create on their own lessons. I can't wait to see what gems you will share in your next video!
Hi there! I'm glad to help! The way you are helping your colleagues is a brilliant idea. Especially room transformations. That's a real difficulty for a lot of people. Best of luck this week!
I like your DJ comparison. It reminds me of running a role playing game(paper and dice). Each group even on different days has different energy and needs, and a good GM knows how to adapt their plan for the gaming session for the group. Lol, this probably explains why the teachers I know who GM are really good GMs. They practice similar skills daily. :)
Thank you for this. I’m starting out and I feel so isolated. My vibe is totally different than other teachers I see.
Amen. Most of my projects are created by none other than I OR differentiated/tweaked for my classes.
We should all celebrate who we are as teachers.
Thank you! I emailed kind of a similar question and this answer really helped.
"Teach like you're a DJ!!" Love it!
"Teach like a DJ" I dig that!
Don't get back to me. Just wanted to say another great video. I want all of us to be great for our schools and students. They deserve that. Awesome as always.
3:30 almost made me spit out my OJ
THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO 😭😭😭 I am teaching 8th grade & I'm trying to be myself, be real and build rapport and be on everyone's good side. And teach the state standards. And keep the kids' interests and get them invested in their learning by getting their feedback/input. And make it gucci.... Oh... And classroom mgmt. You are the only resource I've found that seems to speak my language.
I love everything you said! Thanks for the kind words. ❤️🕺🏼
Great video!
First, please fix the description..
Second, I can relate as well. As an aspiring teacher, and someone who seeks to broaden my knowledge, I implement and do things differently, and sometimes people don't understand which is fine. The issue comes when others have a negative view and wants it to stop and either talk to you about or look at you funny. Nevertheless, the key is "Not caring" as mentioned, and knowing yourself and what you know from learning from other teachers, caregivers, and maybe experience of different companies and school philosophies. This is great insight. Truly surprising for you to say the not caring thing --I laughed, because of the anticipation of hearing what the two things are haha!
That description is a mess!😂 That’s what happens when I try to multitask. Keep up the great work Teach!
such a great affirmation!!! 21 sped same unique district !!! it’s the PASSION 🎉THANK YOU 🎉😊
Have a great break and great rest of your year Nichole!
I can relate totally!
LOVE IT...I GET IT! Keep up this talk......👍
🎉🔥”wanna talk about differentiated but the don’t wanna differentiate anything REALLY.” Ok???? Preeeeeach!!! ❤
Are you ever told not read books or Shakespeare to/with students? What do you do to introduce them to certain works or build their reading stamina?
My Team was to read Teach Like A Pirate! I did! Great book! Ready to read yours. I love the way you explain many things, especially relationship building.
I have very low readers in my 7th grade Language Arts classes. I’ve been coached to teach parts of speech (heavily)- All this seems to make reading more difficult for low readers.
I hope to get everyone on the dance floor!
See, I was told NOT to read whole books in class. Last year I did and it worked. So I said to myself, maybe that person/admin was exaggerating. So I Started reading a book in my most challenged class and encouraging students. They’ve been encouraging each other! The giggle about reading and react to the story. I ask questions related to curriculum/comprehension and they respond so much better!
They get to blow bubbles when they’ve made the top scores.
Smartphones have been my biggest challenge in my classes, but as soon as I figure out how to keep my energy levels up all day and my feet feeling great all day I know I’ll conquer that in some meaningful way.
CJ, I got to say, when you describe the state of education in America, I am dismayed. Is it really like that out there? I SO GLAD TO BE WHERE I AM! My district doesn't march in lock step like a lot of districts require. I feel like we are really good at balancing commonsense with new methodologies. Loved this video and shared it with colleagues already.
I love to hear you say that about your school Rich. It’s awesome that you have such a big district but are still doing things in such a healthy way. Thanks for the share brother. ☺️
You are brilliant!
Thanks Diana! Have a great year!
I have a belief in reinforcement! I strive to ignore negative behaviors and praise positive behaviors, it works most of the time. If something severe happens (bullying or anything physical) I have a pow-wow and if it happens again I do write it up. I’m with you Reynolds!
💰Gold doesn't rust, this is Sooooooo good 4 years on. Will be MS English in Fall
I am a Brand New teacher and i just want to thank you for these videos. I have done my practicum student teaching, and 2 Long term sub jobs so far and am struggling to find a first classroom. These videos help give me hope for myself as a career swapper
Thanks so much. I’m glad I could help in anyway. ☺️
If anyone is getting push back about the non-conforming activities (usually the fun exploring type of activity), then ask the Socratic statement, “when did these kids [students] last enjoy the learning process?” Chances are good whomever you’re speaking with will realize that the fun/ different is bringing that enjoyment back. I have all seniors this year (180 students total; CA teacher) and I keep my kids engaged by keeping them exploring with throwback activities: rotation stations, coloring for brainstorms, reading outside, scavenger hunts, breakout rooms, secret codes, etc.
LOVE your advice. Random Question: where did you get that double black heart poster that says "you got this" and "keep going"?
My friend Amber is a street artist in Philly. She did it for me. You can find her here instagram.com/amberellaxo?
You are the very epitome of an inspirational teacher. How do I reach you (other than youtube)? I am a teacher myself and often handle things very differently as well. :-) I get this "What's wrong with you?" "Why are you going the extra mile? You're making me look bad?" all the time.
Hey Patrick! Shoot me an email at realrapwithreynolds@gmail.com ✌🏽
In education classes the instructor will say instead of calling out a student if you have something to say to say to the student pull them aside to talk to the students.
Is that a Belizean flag? 😱 ♥️ Love seeing that up
It sure is! I took my boys there two years ago.
That's wild how many co-teaxhers you had. I'd love to come work with you. Totally matching my style. :)
Black Sheep in the house! Starting my first term, in the classroom, with AmeriCorps Alaska,. Great post! This is KJ (Peace Corps Armenia and Peace Corps Ethiopia, btw).
You should write a book with that title!
Reynolds, I’m a new graduate teaching English out of KLA/specialty this year for the first time. I’m usually a history/geography teacher. I know the curriculum is different here in Australia compared to the US, but do you have any advice?
I love this reminder that the most important thing is connection with the kids, and luckily I teach in a small rural school where being different is usually okay.
PS: I noticed the seed quote on the wall and had to check it out-found this: jhfearless.com/2014/11/they-tried-to-bury-us-they-didnt-know-we-were-seeds/
Just what I needed to see and hear today. Blacksheep and misunderstood. Sixth math teacher to the majority of students living in poverty selling that math like the frustrated broadway actress that I am. Boom!
I adore you
I’m sort of the same way. I teach 12th grade and I have my kids do a rap battle/roast when doing Beowulf. Whereas my other teachers just..:read it. I also show them wrestling promos and UFC fights so they can get into the fight scene.
Yes! That’s a great idea! I might have to borrow that one 🤔😂
@@CJReynolds if you want to I can send you my plans. I do a “roast and boast” activity for my kids. Especially “regulars”/remedial kids, the class turns into an episode of Wild n Out since they roast each other during the scene where Beowulf is calling out the hater haha
❤️
I'm from a 3rd world country teaching in an international school and not from the western world. I am also the black sheep teacher in the school and I feel most of the essence or spirit of your teaching approach. However, I am more on the strict and disciplinarian side. This might sound off on your end, but I still do enforce school policies and punish learners corporate style (oh! that's so draconian!). However, I have learned to be strict, but with a very compassionate heart. Sounds contradicting, but it does work! I can elaborate on this but it will be a novel. But one thing I can say, it's been effective for the past decade. I have my old students thank me for disciplining them and claim to have started to perform better in school. I'm even an "in your face" kind of teacher, especially if the student is disrespectful. But I do make sure to have a heart to heart talk to them after class.
I agree what works for me or you, might not work for everyone. You have to pour in your personality. My advantage is I'm a disciplinarian, but I like arts, music and games. So these things are an integral part of my teaching. Also, I also agree with your DJ approach (by the way, I used to listen to rap both old school and new school, but have matured from it). I still do spit bars in my class once in while. I can totally relate with you going over board at times and co-teachers making excuses for lack of creativity.
I Just want to share this is issue I have. I see many western teachers in Asia that are not really teachers and don't have the heart for their kids. They come with a mindset just because they are from the western world, kids in Asia will just bow down and surrender to their presence. But on the contrary, the opposite always happens. These untrained teachers are lacking in methodologies and ideas on even how to manage a class. They think their English speaking ability will get by or is enough. They tend to be less prepared and give more free time. They are also the full of themselves type and I call them "fist bump teachers". They love superficially engaging with students, pretending they are on their side during class time. Actually, it's more wasting of quality learning time for the learners. I'm for building relationships with your students, but it should be balanced.
Anyway, thanks for this video. It resonates me, but on the flipside homie!
Reynolds rules
Dare to stand out, look a fool, and dance like nobody’s watching for kids! Go big or go home!
Hi Reynolds. Just checked your website but seems like it is not working. Can you check it please. Also, how do I sign up for the Sunday meeting on your you tube channel?
"HEY! TEACHER! LEAVE THEM KIDS ALONE!"
As someone who has ADHD and is just starting my training in the UK, I know I’m going to be different because I see the world differently.
That’s an awesome thing for your students! My best to you on your journey!
So...I was actually told by my. reading department head that I was never ever to have a student in my room unless they are on my roster at that time. No before school, after school, lunch, anything. I was scolded for helping kids during lunch time. Not sure what to do with that one. The kids who were coming are either kids living in poverty or Spanish speaking kids who just want to talk to their friends without being made fun of. What should I do?
This is the most IMSANE thing I can imagine. First of all you are doing the right thing. Second a department can’t make that call. I’d ask your administrators. Third... i would keep doing what you are doing and turn it into a party. Invite other teachers to come to your room so your are not alone. Let kids bring snacks. Play music. Make it the place to be. Chart your growth. By which I mean, how many kids are coming of their own volition for help every day, how has it affected their grades, how has it made a change in their social status?
Keep gong Teach. Make a ruckus.
I meant insane. Classic English teacher move. 😂
What was the reason behind not ever having students in your room unless they’re on your roster for that time? That just seems crazy and dumb to be honest
The 3 people who actually disliked this are probably really great at parties...
You may have mentioned this in another video but, as a Belizean, I would love to know the significance of the Belize Flag :)))
Hi Sylvia! My boys and I took a trip to Belize a few years ago. We traveled all over and had an incredible time. It was wonderful. I made a video about it if you care to check it out. ruclips.net/video/O28Y33XvTyE/видео.html
Omg!!! I LOVE THIS!!!!!
It was awesome to see the reactions of your students on this trip. This really made me happy.
I hope that you get to make another trip. Belize is a place that is so rich in culture. Next time you have to visit the howler monkey sanctuary.
And by the way Xunantunich is pronounced zoo-naan-tuh-nuhch😊
Thanks for your reply. And thanks for offering educators such great advice.
I really need your help
Happy to help. What can I do?
@@CJReynolds I teach in Dubai. I need to build up s good rapport with my boys students. What can I do?
Love this, you’re an inspiration to me Reynolds! I’ve mentioned you in my most recent RUclips video if you’d like to check it out!
Just checked you out brother. I left a comment. ☺
#DJacademic
shouldn’t it be “teachers who dare to be different”