Teach Like a Champion reflection on Introduction and Technique 1 No Opt Out

Coming back from our PLC conference, I felt pumped to share everything that I learned and experienced during those three days.  However, returning back I became overwhelmed with everything that needs to be done to start this process and with everything that I need to do in my own classroom.  In reality, our work as teachers is never ending.  Thank you Edith for starting this blog!   As I hold my students accountable for their learning, I feel I need to take responsibility of ensuring that I take the responsibility to continuously learn techniques to become a "Champion" in my profession.

Reading the introduction and the first technique has challenged me as a teacher to become more consistent in my classroom procedures.  Honestly, when I first came to came to Bursch, Dr. Garcia introduced this book to me when he left me a note, after an informal classroom observation, to read the "No Opt Out" technique.  I did and applied it a few times throughout the year, but not as much as I would have wanted to.  Bad, bad, bad!

The author clearly points out that this book is a tool that is vital for students' success and that using these techniques will separate you from just being a "good" teacher.  I want to be a "Champion!"  Although I have only read the first technique, which is powerful, I believe that following these techniques will guide and help me in becoming a better teacher.  As he mentions, I am in control, I can succeed, and I WILL succeed.  When he brought up the story about the teacher's procedure on how he passes out papers, it made me reflect on how I pass out papers.  Wow!  I really need to make changes in this area.  I never thought of actually teaching students on how to pass out papers.  In reality, I do have to teach them.  My method is obviously not working, as I periodically have students tell me "Mrs. Seman, I didn't get that paper," only to learn a half an hour later that another student has two of the same papers.  Ay!

Reading the first technique "No Opt Out," made me reflect and realize that I didn't read the four different formats three years ago when Dr. Garcia had ask me to.  Ay, ay, ay!  From what I can remember, I read the first two.  I skimmed through the techniques, and I probably applied them when Dr. Garcia came around to observe me again.  I'm sorry, but I am being really honest.  I know, I'm horrible.  After reading all formats, "No Opt Out" is amazing.  I HAVE TO be consistent to maintain high expectations, and it is NOT okay not to try even for my students that are academically low.  I learned that I MUST teach all students that although they may not have the correct answer, they must be responsible in their learning by trying and participating in class discussions.  In my classroom, I hear "at least I tried my best" from some students.  Yes, that's okay, but they need to step it up a notch by searching for the answer and learning how to search for it.  For example, getting up and looking at a chart or map that we created to help us understand what we learned, searching for evidence in the story, or even asking me to repeat the question and reread a paragraph in a story.  Yes, I want to hold them accountable and maintain high expectations, but I really need to teach them in doing so.

In the end, reading the introduction and the "No Opt Out" technique and reflecting on what I learned has allowed me to re-examine my teaching techniques.  It has re-opened my way of doing things and my outlook at my purpose of what kind of teacher I want to be.  I want to be a "Champion," and in doing so, I must challenge myself.