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“Students and teachers get better at what they do by engaging in ever-increasing, but attainable, challenging work.” — this part of the chapter immediately reminds me how critical it is to insure that we are requiring our students to do rigorous work on a daily basis. In terms of teachers,  each and every time a new strategy is used or an instructional approach is implemented, that is attainable, yet challenging work. We must consistently plan instruction that pushes students and it is critical that we push others and ourselves “beyond our current level” so that ALL reach mastery!!

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I loved how this chapter was about being there for others and helping them start or support the journey of achieving dreams. Even encouraging the path and supporting efforts with students and staff. Sometimes taking the first step is the hardest and change is difficult but the path should be innovative in our constant changing role as educators. We do have to take risks and show kids it's okay if not every risk is successful. We are all learners and we must keep moving forward.

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When faced with Negativity, treat as opportunities to create joy. This really made me think and reflect back on how i handle situations.

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I like the part where it said the most important thing they create is not a thing at all but an almost palpable feeling: they create joy. It continues to talk about how the best teachers are joyful people and even if they’re not in a joyful mood they don’t let it show. They don’t let their bad days transfer to their colleagues or their students.   It just spoke to me the most because in the past couple months even though it’s gotten better I’ve had a lot of tough family stuff happening and some days I have come in and I just was very sad person. But I tried my hardest to leave it at the door and be a happy, positive person for my students so that our classroom has that feeling as well. You have to show them that even on the bad days we can find joy.

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As rewarding as our profession is we all know the hard work it takes daily.  We are leading our students by our natural intuition of best practices for them.  We see them as individuals and make it a point to meet their needs.

I agree of sharing data with students. They need to see where they started and how they have grown. Sharing the data with them also allows them to set goals in their learning.

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Students are more likely to put forth their best effort when they have a legitimate voice and an authentic audience

This is so true for educators also, when we feel we are truly listened to than we do out best. I try hard in my classroom to make sure each child is heard and that their point of view matters. The more connected I am to the student the harder they will work

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You are absolutely correct. We know these kids the best and at times a quick second decision is the difference between an instant connection or a total loss with that particular student. And it is always nice when the data shows you are a difference maker! :)

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I liked the part that discusses "Master Educators are not afraid to leverage their natural intuition". We know in our gut what a student needs, or is lacking, but are often afraid to go outside the norm without approval or data to back it up. Sometimes we just need to do what we feel is right to get that improvement and give the student what they need to feel successful. Then when the data backs it up we can celebrate that we have helped that student much earlier!

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I loved the following part, "great educators may not immediately see the rewards of their daily toil. Although the difference may be imperceptible in the present moment, they and the students they serve are growing stronger each and every day." That is why I love to share BOY, MOY and EOY progress with my students. They need something concrete that proves that they are growing. It also keeps them motivated to continue working hard each and every day.

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Debra,
I also loved the idea of the mystery box on graduation day! I was curious about it! I also agree that we are doing many things really well. The flexible seating has contributed tremendously in giving my kids a voice. I feel like they are managing it very well and are much happier!

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There were a lot of points in this chapter that I feel we already do really well. Giving kids voice and choice, thinking "Is it best for kids?" before we make a change, and having a shared vision. I feel like the more I read this book the more I highlight. My absolute favorite quote from this chapter was on page 88, "no one works harder than a curious kid." Makes me think do I encourage enough curiosity in class or do I teach it to them before they have a chance to discover it on their own?  I loved how that tied into the the mystery box on graduation day, how cool!