This is not a new topic and I have read many blog posts about teachers that removed their teacher’s desk from their classroom and they have all been positive.  So why not do the same?  I rarely sat my desk, it got cluttered with papers and I felt it created a barrier between me and the students.  The classroom should be a learning space designed with the student’s interests in mind and having a large portion of the class cut off because my desk was there wasn’t working for me anymore.  I didn’t need it for my computer, I have a wireless mouse and keyboard at the front of my class and just about everything I do on my SMARTBoard can be projected and controlled using my phone or tablet. So I recruited the help of a couple students and out it went.  The results have been amazing.  My room instantly appeared larger and it created more space for students to work and move around.  Even though I rarely sat at my desk before I feel I spend more time interacting with the students.  When I go into other classes they feel small and cramped at times and it is tough to move around, the additional space created by removing my teacher’s desk is reason enough why I will never have a teacher’s desk again.  The student response has been great; they have mentioned that they feel the classroom is theirs as there is no area forbidden for them to work.  They also like the additional space and ability to easily move around and collaborate with others.  Teachers that come in have the same response and love the ability to move around and interact with students. I encourage you to try it if you haven’t already.

Time: Find it for Your Teachers

Earlier this week a teacher approached me towards the end of the day as I was on my way to my office.  She wanted to explain what she was doing with a student in her class and how she was differentiating for him.  I listened but not the way I should of and when she was done I left and went to my office to finish whatever it was I thought at the time was more important than finding time to engage with her.

Later that night I realized while I appeared to be listening to her I had really been focused elsewhere and did not take the opportunity to talk with her about what she was doing in her class and showed no real interest in what she was saying.  It goes without saying it was the worst sleep I have experienced in years.

The next day I apologized and explained my frustration in myself and promised it would not happen again.  While the teacher thought nothing of it, it still bothers me and I will try to make time to always listen attentively when a teacher comes to me and wants to share with me what they are doing in their class.

I have since met with her a couple times about the student and the amazing things she is doing in her classroom to accommodate for him.

About a year and a half ago a friend of mine talked to me about Twitter and how he was using it as a learning tool and all the educators he has been able to connect with.  I originally blew it off as I thought of Twitter as nothing more than a place for celebrities to post about their life. It wasn’t until last summer that I actually decided to learn how to effectively use Twitter for myself and I started connecting with other educators and school administrators. 

What a difference a year has made.  The connections I have made and what I have learnt has been astounding.  I really have changed more in the last year than in the previous five.  I read now more than ever before and am able to voice my opinions about what I read and what I think about various trends in education. 

The next step it seems would be to start to blog about my own experiences and thoughts surrounding education and educational leadership.  I originally started this blog as an online portfolio when I applied for my current job and had no intentions of turning it into an actual blog.  As I said earlier what a difference a year has made.  Thanks to all the educators that I have connected with over the last year and all the amazing blogs I have read, because of you I have decided it is time to start and look forward to sharing my experiences with you and hearing what you have to say.