The Secret to Success

I had to come to the conclusion that professional development was the missing link and the key to my success as a teacher. Once the school year ended, I read every book I could get my hands on about best practices for good teachers. The Marva Collins Way was the first book I researched. Her works highlighted the practical yet innovative strategies teachers can use to bring the best out in all students despite their academic background. When I wasn’t reading, I was watching every film out about success in the classroom. I had an unusual ability to use films (like most people used workshops or other professional development sessions) and apply them to my practice. The two films that resonated most were Lean on Me, Stand and Deliver Jamie Escalante. Both films demonstrated how educators could serve as real change agents by using aggressive, proactive and innovative strategies for school improvement. In addition to what I learned from outside research, I learned a great deal from my own students. I quickly learned that students have a wealth of knowledge about what works and what doesn’t work in the classroom. I eventually pulled a few interested students to the side and involved them in the creative process of designing the lesson plan and other related issues.

Tip 7: Give students a sense of purpose

One of the things that concerned me was the lack of interest a number of my students had in the learning process as a whole. I always believed that there was a direct connection between student performance and student interest. A number of my students who had academic challenges were more than capable of excelling. The problem was that they didn’t see the benefits of school. I made it my business to help students make the connection. I brought guest presenters from different professional backgrounds to share their story. Mason West and I also created a theatrical group called Act’in Up that traveled with me during my college tours. On the academic side, I started a reading initiative for upperclassmen called the Billion Dollar Book Club, which encouraged students and rewarded them for reading. These small initiatives ignited the school’s spirit and created a bond between the school’s staff and the students. Once students made the connection to how school could have a positive impact on their lives, their whole approach to learning changed for the better.

Summary: Effective means of working with students. Tips 1-7.

•   Build a relationship.

•   Remember each student is different.

•   Find a balance.

•   Create an energetic learning environment.

•   Involve the parents as much as possible.

•   Be a life long learner.

•   Give students a sense of purpose.

CHAPTER

21

Homecoming

Do you think about me now and then?

Do you think about me now and then?

‘Cause I’m coming home again.

Do you think about me now and then?

Do you think about me now and then?

Oh, ‘cause I’m coming home again.

Maybe we can start again. - Kayne West

By 1998, I had everything I could ask for. My marriage was going great, my career was on the rise, I had a great position on campus, and I was back in school with my degree on the horizon. I also had my second child, my baby girl, Jayda. Life was great but school was challenging. I remember being so frustrated I would have to put my books down and do what I called the “You can do it” visualization exercise. I pretended that I was at my graduation. It was simple because I had gone to every graduation since I arrived on campus. One reason I went every year had to do with the fact that I felt as though I needed to support my friends. Another had to do with the fact that I needed it to burn. It hurt to see my peer’s siblings and younger cousins graduate before me. I enrolled at Oakwood in ‘89 and here it was ‘98. Each time I attended the ceremony it cut like a knife, but that’s exactly what I needed it to do. I learned that pain produces certain things that complacency can’t. So when I was tired of studying, I would put my books down and walk through the living room pretending I had on my cap and gown. Then I heard the announcer say, “Graduating with a bachelors of science from the College of Business. Mr. Eric Thomas.” I was so motivated after that exercise, I would run back to my study area and put another two hours into my books.