3 - Grades!!!

03/12/20 • 58 min

Episode 3 focuses on the contentious and oh-so controversial subject of GRADES! Why do we still use such an antiquated system when we know it is flawed? If we were to replace it, what would that look like? As teachers, we must have some form of assessment to track growth, and to identify obstacles, or gaps in understanding. However, the carrot-and-stick relationship students have with grades is often quite detrimental. So...
We interview a wonderful teacher, Marcy. She comes with experience in both middle and high school, and she teaches both Social Studies and English. She has a great story about how she became a teacher, and her perspective on her students' learning is delightfully insightful.

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4 - Assuming the Role

Episode 4 marks a slight shift in the focus of The Teacher's Desk, at least for the time being. During this global crisis, I have heard from an abundance of people that are suddenly trying to run some sort of classroom from their home. Not only is this incredibly daunting, it can add to the stress of an already intense situation. The Teacher's Desk, from this episode forward, will offer professional advice and tips for parents, grandparents, and anyone else trying to assume the role of a teacher during these trying times.
It is important for parents and others to understand, they are not expected to suddenly "become" a teacher. Rather, to those that are assuming part of that teacher's role, you are ensuring that the interruption to these students' lives will be as small as we can make it.
This episode also features an interview with Elementary School teacher Rachel. The interview was conducted prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, but is a wonderful look inside the mind of an excellent teacher, and a remarkable human being.
* Rachel references "Visual Learning" by John Hattie. I realize now I have read some of his work previous to this, but didn't remember. It is, however, where a lot of teaching pedagogy is focused these days. www.visiblelearning.com