Travis Williams

The first day of school is quickly approaching! Teachers, here are ten important reminders as we mentally and emotionally prepare ourselves for today and the days ahead. 🔹 Many parents are doing the very best they know how to do - not the best they can YET, but the best they know how. Help them become their best for their kid. 🔺 Parents are sending us the best they have. Kids deserve the very best we can give them. Replace criticism with compassion. 🔹 Don’t tell a child, “You know better.” Oftentimes, they don’t. Teach them, don’t shame them. 🔺 Do whatever it takes to reach *that kid*. If you can reach *that kid*, you can reach all kids. 🔹 Kids didn’t sign up for a distracted, negative teacher. Give your students the best of you, not what’s left of you. Take care of yourself first so you can better pour into your students. 🔺 There will be a child walking through your door this morning who desperately needs a champion. Love them enough to learn their story and redirect their pathway. 🔹 What you say about your school and the people who fill it will either carry or trample the banner. There is no in between. You are the beginning of your school’s reputation. 🔺Connection over content. Always. In that order. But don’t fall prey to thinking content doesn’t matter. Education is the GATEWAY. 🔹We all fall down, but just because we have fallen doesn’t mean we have failed. We fail when we choose to not stand back up. Find your grit. 🔺Be positive. It’s as simple as that. We have the most important job in the world - the job that prepares the next generation for all future jobs. You’ve got this! Now get out there and kick butt on the first day and every day after that! Let’s GO!👊🏼 [The night before school starts always gets me in my feels. Below is a picture of me my first year as a teacher, in my first classroom, on my first day. 😉🤍]

Every kid deserves to be treated w/ love, dignity & grace. EVERY SINGLE. DAY. No matter what they’ve done. No matter what they’ve said. …No matter how they’ve treated you. Don’t be the person who adds to their trauma by giving up on them. Be their merchant of hope.

Covering the school with positive affirmations for the new year! #onegibson @wsfcs

No one’s a master teacher on their first day. Developing a steady, calm demeanor in a fast-moving classroom setting takes time and lots of practice (particularly when students know how to press your buttons). 🧵Thread adapted from this article: edut.to/3KmQCn8 1/14

Here are *4 strategies* for building a classroom community that puts student voice and choice first. 🙌

It's all about connection! 🙌

We must model vulnerability! 🙌

Teachers, never take for granted the incredible role our effective principals and assistant principals play in shaping our schools. They are the thermostat, providing guidance, support, encouragement and leadership. They are the difference makers for the difference makers!

Either increase teacher salaries OR change the system around and require less from them. You don’t get to require a masters degree, demand a bunch of work and then assume the profession is sustainable…especially when one is disrespected.

Powerful! 🧡

Develop good habits instead of traditions; foster inclusive student leadership. Here’s how one leader reassessed school culture over the 2022 summer break. edutopia.org/article/3-key-…

So true! 🍿

Kindness counts! 🧡

Because Title 1 discussions seem to be popping up: So a reminder. Students aren't title 1 Schools receive title 1 funds Language matters

Teaching is a relationship based profession. This is why our Impersonal Evaluation System of teachers is highly ineffective. We need aspirational conversations instead: Are we utilizing your strengths What do you need from us How can we help you achieve professional goals etc.

In this 60-second strategy, kids practice giving and receiving constructive peer feedback with a simple 3-step activity.