2019-2020 Teacher Empowerment message,

May 23, 2019

In the 2019-2020 Teacher Empowerment message, there was a strong emphasis on the enduring value of teachers in the face of advancing technology. It recognized that while technology can automate various educational tasks, it can never replicate the vital emotional and social connections that teachers establish with their students. This acknowledgment underscored the timeless significance of the human element in education.   An essential insight from the message was the understanding that children continue to be children for the initial 18 years of their lives, and often beyond. This concept encouraged us, as teachers, to focus on instilling conscious discipline in our students, highlighting that technology alone cannot equip children for the complexities of life.   The message outlined a structured approach to cultivate conscious discipline in the classroom:  

1.   First Impression (F):   As teachers, we were advised to establish clear entry and exit routines, fostering predictability and a sense of order in the classroom. It emphasized that routines should not be equated with rigidity but rather seen as a means to provide structure and clarity.

 

2.   Order (O):   The idea of order was introduced as the subsequent step. With routines in place, students could perceive a structured environment where everything had its place, facilitating an environment conducive to focus and learning.

 

3.   Reason (R):   The message stressed that once students recognized routines and order, they could delve into understanding the reasons behind them. This stage encouraged higher-order thinking and reasoning skills, as the foundational aspects were already established.

 

4.   Wanted (W):   Students who grasped the routine, order, and reason would feel wanted and accepted by us, their teachers. Feeling safe and valued, they would be more open to learning and collaboration.

 

5.   At Ease (A):   As students felt wanted and secure, they would be at ease in the classroom, and a sense of calmness would prevail, allowing them to focus on their studies.

 

6.   Relationship (R):   The message emphasized the significance of building a meaningful relationship between teachers and students. It highlighted the importance of trust, predictability, and mutual respect in fostering a positive teacher-student connection.

 

7.   Discipline (D):   The final step was the natural outcome of the preceding stages. When students felt secure, valued, and connected with their teacher, discipline would follow naturally. Students would cooperate willingly, and self-discipline would be cultivated.

  The equation "Relationship + Rules = Respect + Responsibility" encapsulated the essence of effective classroom management. It underscored that discipline was not solely about imposing rules but about cultivating mutual respect and shared responsibility.   In conclusion, the 2019-2020 Teacher Empowerment message provided a structured approach for us, as educators, to create a classroom environment that fosters discipline and, more importantly, a sense of conscious discipline. These principles remain invaluable, guiding us in nurturing the holistic development of our students.