Let’s be honest, no one expects you to like every child in your class equally. So, what can we do to ensure that everyone has somebody in their corner, especially those who we find it the hardest to champion? 1. Top 10 Tips for Being A Champion For Your Children It’s obvious that as we form relationships, those that make positive impacts on us becomes one of our favourite, we form connections, and we become their champion. We do it without even realising it’s happening… The Usual SuspectsĮvery teacher, whether a wide-eyed trainee or thick-skinned veteran, has favourites in their class. In fact, it was only on reflection – after hearing a keynote this year – that I became fully conscious of just how easy it is to do. Now before I begin, this isn’t a rant or finger-pointing.

“Every child deserves a champion – an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connections and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.” Additionally, he has held trust-wide leadership responsibilities including NQT/RQT Programme Coordinator, ITT Coordinator, Writing Moderator and.ĭoes every child need someone to fight their corner? Challenge your thinking.Lee HillSince switching from psychology to primary education in 2011, Lee has held numerous teaching and leadership roles: KS2 class teacher, Phase Leader, Literacy Coordinator, Assistant Headteacher and Vice Principal. I encourage you to watch (or re-watch) Rita Pierson’s TED Talk and talk to someone about it. Consideration 5: How am I monitoring individual student progress?.Consideration 4: How does my lesson design allow for student collaboration and problem solving?.Consideration 3: What data are used to determine what support and scaffolds are necessary?.Consideration 2: How do I evaluate how well students respond to intended meaningful, challenging learning opportunities?.Consideration 1: How does my lesson design foster a safe environment in which students are willing to take risks and engage in challenging curriculum?.Learning can occur when a kid has a champion.ĭirectly related are the following Considerations for Instructional Practices embedded within A Framework for Vision-Driven Instruction and Leadership: Educators have an opportunity to build relationships with students, launching them into successful learning regardless of the current status of their academic knowledge. Pierson emphasizes relationships throughout her short talk and that is not to be overlooked. This description of a champion connects to this premise: II.k When competent, caring teachers provide properly designed learning experiences in inspiring social environments, all students will engage and can meet or exceed a reasonable variance to the standards. and someone who insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.one who understands the power of connections.an adult who will never give up on them.Pierson’s story that every child needs a champion wraps up with a threefold description of a champion for children: This, coupled with a safe environment to take academic risks, is an investment into the lives of our students as learners. Our work to create relevant learning experiences organized into a curriculum with authentic tasks is a big step toward preparing our students for a lifetime of learning. She also poses the profound question, “How powerful would our world be if we had kids who are not afraid to take risks, not afraid to think?” This question should bring to mind this premise: II.l Standards should result in all students being committed and equipped to be competent lifetime learners, well-prepared for further formal education and to pursue multiple careers. In this way, we seek to understand our students and provide them choice in the classroom because we know our students are not the same and do not have the same needs. We consider utilizing varied means for students to demonstrate understanding. Learning standards should embrace development of the whole person to build students’ capacity to shape their own destiny as individuals and as contributing members of society. Stephen Covey with “seeking first to understand. First, Rita Pierson brings us Every Kid Needs a Champion.

Success will be gained if more educators and campus/district administrators are drawn to not only watching the TED Talks mentioned, but also sharing them with others through conversations rooted in the Visioning work. This month I seek to provide inspiration for transformation by paying homage to some of the most impactful TED Talks available, related to education.

Rita pierson