Worst case scenarios…
I have been wondering about how we, as new teachers, are supposed to implement the teaching methods and assessment styles that we have learned in our classes into school systems that are unsupportive of change. Say that the established teachers prefer to teach to the test. They like their assessments that are geared towards Blooms Taxonomy Levels I/II and don’t want to put the effort into grading assignments that require thought and depth. I suppose the best case scenario is that the school system allows you to teach your way as long as it doesn’t affect other teachers. But as new teachers, where do we get the support we need? There is no one with which to work on rubrics or assessments or plan quality lessons. There is no group collaboration.
What if it is a school system where the lessons are synchronized across the specific grade level down to the minute? There isn’t much room for real learning to happen. How do you inspire students into taking an interest in the material? If the kids don’t take a vested interest in what they are learning, they aren’t going to learn it. They are going to memorize it during the crash review sessions directly before the SOLs and then forget it. So, they might do well on the SOL. But, it doesn’t give them the skills to be successful in life, such as critical thinking, comprehension, synthesizing information, expressing their ideas in various ways.
This is my mind because I want to find a way to get through to students that aren’t receptive to the traditional methods of teaching. I want to use all of the great information that I am learning. I don’t think I could stand teaching in a school system that is super strict with micromanaging. It would be too painful to watch students struggle when there are so many quality resources that I could be utilized. I want to see growth in my students by giving them higher-level thinking projects and complete formative assessments that are valued. Knowledge tests have their place, but in the long run, it is so much more important to be able to think and apply your knowledge.
Jennifer, I understand the concerns you have about the possibility of teaching in a micromanaged school! It most cases I can tell you that even though there may be common lesson plans each teacher has autonomy to implement in a way that best fits the needs of their students. I have had students run into scenarios like the one you described. Some of these students will reach back out to their college professors for additional support! I have had this happen several times! As intimidating as it might be, always feel free to share your ideas with your team. You may have an idea that takes student learning to the next level.