This post is part of the Teachers Certification Map’s “discussion series,” a collection of posts featuring highlights and questions around the evolving state of education aimed at enlightening young teachers as they embark on their careers.

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The perfectionist in the classroom is always obvious. They can typically add as much to the classroom environment as they can take away.

Daniel Pink has a good piece on perfectionism on his blog, where he discusses why and how it occurs:

According to research reported in this Miller-McCune article, perfectionism comes in two varieties: adaptive and maladaptive. And one of the key determinants of the type of perfectionism someone displays is whether the quest for perfection is “motivated from an inner urge or an outside push.”

My favorite quote was his description on when perfectionism is beneficial and when it’s not:

If you’re driving hard because of your own desire for excellence, that can actually lead to greater satisfaction and psychological health. But if you’re pursuing perfection because of pressure from others — parents, bosses, peers — that’s likely to take you down the path of dissatisfaction and reduced well-being.

DISCUSSION: How do you deal with the over-achieving perfectionist in the classroom? Does it add to your classroom environment or detract from it?

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Do you know someone with great insights to share with young teachers, or do you want your material considered for a discussion topic?

Please email us at hello@certificationmap.com.

This post is part of the Teachers Certification Map’s “lessons from the field”, a series of posts featuring passionate, inspiring educators from across the country discussing some of the lessons that they have learned over the years that would help young teachers as they embark on their careers.

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Kim Taylor-DiLeva, a teacher of 12 years, started out teaching elementary school. Now, she occasionally teaches preschool sign language classes, but mostly to train teachers through inservice workshops.

What inspired you to teach?

I wanted to make a difference – to help children to succeed.

What classroom methods are most helpful in pushing students towards their goals?

Showing them where they need to go (the end product) and breaking down in little steps so that they feel like they are achieving something and are getting closer to the end result. Sign language is a great way to help children to achieve their goals if they are language arts related – learning vocabulary words, learning to read, etc.

What is the one thing you wish you’d known when you started in the classroom?

I wish I had known about the benefits of using sign language in the classroom – to help improve classroom management and also as a way to help struggling learners and special needs children have another way of using a visual and kinesthetic method to learn.

What did your training teach you that was most helpful in preparing you to enjoy and thrive in a classroom today?

That children learn in different ways so to use as many methods, varieties of instruction that you can. Teach through unit study so that children are learning about a topic through science, history, language arts, etc. at the same time.

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Do you know someone with great insights to share with young teachers, or do you want to be considered for an interview? If so, please email us at hello@certificationmap.com.

This post is part of the Teachers Certification Map’s “lessons from the field”, a series of posts featuring passionate, inspiring educators from across the country discussing some of the lessons that they have learned over the years that would help young teachers as they embark on their careers.

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Ronnie Burt teaches 8th grade math at Henry Middle School outside of Austin, TX. He has been teaching for six years.

Below is our interview with Ronnie.

What inspired you to teach?

When I was in my first year of college, the university offered a free class which gave you experience teaching in a real classroom. I was immediately hooked!

What classroom methods are most helpful in pushing students towards their goals?

Whatever it is that will engage them – which is different for each student. They must be motivated to learn, which could include providing positive feedback, fun activities, group work, or the use of technology.

What is the one thing you wish you’d known when you started in the classroom?

Don’t expect lesson plans to go the way you lay it out. The best teaching moments are sometimes not scripted, planned, or prepared.

What did your training teach you that was most helpful in preparing you to enjoy and thrive in a classroom today?

There is so much more involved in a school than just what happens in my classroom. If I understand the whole system I am better able to maximize the learning in my classroom.

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Do you know someone with great insights to share with young teachers, or do you want to be considered for an interview? If so, please email us at hello@certificationmap.com.

This post is part of the Teachers Certification Map’s “lessons from the field”, a series of posts featuring passionate, inspiring educators from across the country discussing some of the lessons that they have learned over the years that would help young teachers as they embark on their careers.

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Meltem Bizim, a teacher of 25 years, teaches at Sabanci University Prep School in Turkey. Below is the interview:

What inspired you to teach?

I have always loved helping people and teaching the young is one of helping them. Moreover, I love being with people and this affects my interpersonal skills positively. I think these inspired me to teach.

What classroom methods are most helpful in pushing students towards their goals?

Teaching the students methods that they can use on their own and making them autonomous learners is very important.

What is the one thing you wish you’d known when you started in the classroom?

Don’t be scared of being friendly with your students. Students learn better in a cozy, non-threatening and positive environment.

What did your training teach you that was most helpful in preparing you to enjoy and thrive in a classroom today?

I had my masters in English Literature. It gave me lots of ideas about how to use literature in Language teaching. I wish I was teaching Freshman students so that I could use my knowledge in this area better.

I didn’t have my masters in ELT, but I attended lots of teacher training programs which helped me learn some techniques that I could use both in class and when I’m training other teachers.

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Do you know someone with great insights to share with young teachers, or do you want to be considered for an interview? If so, please email us at hello@certificationmap.com.

This is a guest post from our journalist Alex J. Mann.  You can subscribe to his blog here and follow him on Twitter here.

This post is part of the Teachers Certification Map’s “lessons from the field”, a series of posts featuring passionate, inspiring educators from across the country discussing some of the lessons that they have learned over the years that would help young teachers as they embark on their careers.

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Cary Nadzak works for Dorchester TWO as a social studies interventionist and it’s her 25th year as a teacher. Below is our interview.

What inspired you to teach?

My mom was a kindergarten teacher and my dad a coach.  They inspired me to become a teacher.

What classroom methods are most helpful in pushing students towards their goals?

I think hands-on activities engage students and help them continue that excitement when having to complete traditional assignments.  I just published my 1st book, If It Ain’t Broke, Break It!  Creating Organized Chaos in the Classroom! which is full of ways to jazz up instruction.

What is the one thing you wish you’d known when you started in the classroom?

I wish I’d known as a first year teacher “not to sweat the small stuff.’

What did your training teach you that was most helpful in preparing you to enjoy and thrive in a classroom today?

I have a Master’s Degree in Learning Disabilities but I believe the on-the-job experiences is what made me a great teacher!  I also am a firm believer in building relationships with students and their parents.  Teachers should take an interest in students’ athletic events, chorus concerts and such.

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Do you know someone with great insights to share with young teachers, or do you want to be considered for an interview? If so, please email us at hello@certificationmap.com.

This is a guest post from our journalist Alex J. Mann.  You can subscribe to his blog here and follow him on Twitter here.

This post is part of the Teachers Certification Map’s “lessons from the field”, a series of posts featuring passionate, inspiring educators from across the country discussing some of the lessons that they have learned over the years that would help young teachers as they embark on their careers.

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Lyndsey Martin, a teacher of 6 years, teaches high school social studies at Myrtle Beach High School, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This year she is teaching Advanced Placement U.S. History. In years past she has taught Government & Economics, Honors Government & Economics, Current Events, and Global Studies 2 (Modern World History). Lyndsey coaches the Model United Nations team, where she is the senior class sponsor, and Social Studies department chair.

Lyndsey’s students are generally 14-18 years old. The area she teaches in has a mix of high and low income, including homeless kids in the same class as kids who drive Hummers to school. Lyndsey told us that “sometimes it’s hard, but we all get along.”

Below is our interview with Lyndsey:

What inspired you to teach?

I was jobless. Really. I moved to South Carolina from Michigan because my husband got a job here and it was an adventure. I couldn’t find a job doing what I had done before (which was a mishmash of working for politicians and universities), so I decided to go back to school to become a teacher. I had no idea how much I would love it! It’s never boring. I emailed a former middle-school teacher of mine after I was in the classroom for a couple of years to thank her for all she had done for me. I look back and think I must have been a real pain in the butt back then. The email she sent in response said, “What took you so long? I always knew you’d make a great teacher. I’m glad you finally realized it yourself.”

What classroom methods are most helpful in pushing students towards their goals?

The best thing any teacher can do is get to know their students as people first but to remain a powerful authority- in other words, know them, but don’t be their friend. My students often think of me (and some call me) “Mom”. While it was strange and awkward at first, I realized it was an honor. They love me and respect me and they know I feel the same way. The best motivator I have is disappointment. I get to know my kids, I earn their trust, I prove to them that I’m there to help them and not to hurt then, and then I have them eating out of my hand. They don’t make me happy? They know it, and they try to make me happy again. I don’t have a poker face… I’m truly delighted when they succeed and they know it. But the most powerful thing I say is, “I know you’re capable of more.” I’ll be honest and tell you that it doesn’t work for some kids, but I’m not sure there would be anything I could do that would work.

I also like to have fun with the kids. I joke with them and tease them, and I’m pretty sarcastic. I don’t understand teachers who don’t do that. It’s just not human! I remember when I was in school how strange it was to see one of my teachers in a restaurant or the grocery store. I tell my students, “I’m human! Treat me like one!” and they do.

What is the one thing you wish you’d known when you started in the classroom?

Don’t be so hard on yourself. Do the very best you can. Don’t take everything so personally. Be polite and respectful to everyone around you. Ask for help! Other people have taught this before- take their stuff and do what you need to so that it’s your own. Be prepared- teach bell to bell- if you finish early, dig up a few tricks to fill the last 5-10-15 minutes. Freerice.com is awesome for that (especially if you have a computer with an LCD projector). Ok, I guess that’s more like 6 things. But they’re all important!

What skills could more developed if you were to enroll in a teacher training program?

I have a Masters of Arts in Teaching. The one thing that really helped me was that I had to construct a scope and sequence for teaching social studies, K-12. It really helped me clarify what I want my students to get out of their education. Sometimes I go back and read it when I get discouraged or mired down in bureaucracy. But as far as skills go, I am convinced that the only thing that can really improve your skills is immersion. Get in the classroom as much as possible.

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Do you know someone with great insights to share with young teachers, or do you want to be considered for an interview? If so, please email us at hello@certificationmap.com.

This is a guest post from our journalist Alex J. Mann.  You can subscribe to his blog here and follow him on Twitter here.

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Ms. Nikki is an English teacher (9th-10th grade) and works out of the Providence Academy of International Studies in Providence, RI. It’s her first appointment at a high school.

How long have you been teaching?

I’ve been teaching four years and this is the fourth school I have worked at. Previous years as an English teacher to “behaviorally challenged” students in an alternative program, small classes, extreme professional learning experience, site changed every school year. Now, I’m extremely happy since I work at the school and level where I had set a goal to teach.

What inspired you to teach?

Teachers that loved what they did and did it well enough to teach me how I was comfortable learning (style). English was a challenge (second language and no one at home to help me with my studies). Teachers that recognized my determination to take my skills past my perceived and predisposed potential, no one at home thought it possible, inspired me read, write, and even to study the English Language History. It’s still a good challenge; naturally, I made it my career. Having students of backgrounds similar to mine, makes me more effective.

What classroom methods are most helpful in pushing students towards their goals?

The workshop model is to me the most effective method in the classroom. I facilitate the classes; the students direct their own learning. Management is made easier by being consistent with the consequences and rewards after the rules have been imposed by the class.

What is the one thing you wish you’d known when you started in the classroom?

Schools do not have enough of what I need (or want). Putting in my material requests only excited me the first time. I don’t expect much from the principal past respect and common courtesy. If the materials come, it’s towards the end of the year. Spending money is inevitable; but completely worth it. The best thing is to keep a record of reflection (and everything that goes on in the class) . Give lessons, note what worked, what didn’t go as planned; change it for the better. Present it again to another class (sometimes, the next year), take notes and change it again. I trust my students’ opinions because other than a couple of observations by the principals, no one takes the time to give you lengthy, written feed-back. “Meets the Standard” is all other staff and faculty care to know about my work for the most part. I don’t want to become stale or stagnate in my methods or strategies; therefore, I feel it very important to continue to learn by sitting in on other teachers’ classes (preferably History or Math), attending conferences, and PDs. Slowly but surely, I’ll attain my masters and then my doctorate as well. Don’t listen to what teachers say and opinionate about particular students; reputations change, so do attitudes and levels of maturity. Don’t do the same thing (same lessons) with all of your same level classes. I find it boring, days become too long.

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Do you know someone with great insights to share with young teachers, or do you want to be considered for an interview? If so, please email us at hello@certificationmap.com.

This is a guest post from our journalist Alex J. Mann.  You can subscribe to his blog here and follow him on Twitter here.

This post is part of the Teachers Certification Map’s “lessons from the field”, a series of posts featuring passionate, inspiring educators from across the country discussing some of the lessons that they have learned over the years that would help young teachers as they embark on their careers.

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Gilian Isles used to teach Biology to high school students but then shifted to teaching English as a second language to students ages 16 and above. She teaches in Saudi Arabia but has students of different nationalities. Most of the students are Saudis the rest: Egyptians, Indians, Eritreans, Saudi-Indonesians/Chinese/ Indians, Jordanians, Palestinians, Syrians etc.

Below is our interview with Gillian:

How long have you been teaching?

I’ve been teaching for four years now. I started teaching after graduation, that is year 2005. I tried to work in another field before. I worked as a secretary but then I felt bored and paralyzed. It’s like I wasn’t doing what I was supposed to do so I returned to teaching.

What inspired you to teach?

Changed lives. I think I can sum it up to those two words. I am stirred up whenever I see a person’s life change because he/she has learned something that motivated him/her to do better. I believe God has given some the gift of teaching. The ability to give simple explanations to complex ones.

What classroom methods are most helpful in pushing students towards their goals?

Well, I always trigger their interest. I always ask myself “What’s something interesting in this topic that will make them listen and focus?”. After that, I use technology to complete my plan. I use videos, power point presentations, activities, photos, interesting stories etc.

In my case, I have students of different cultures. I am an Asian and most of them are really interested in knowing each other’s culture. So, I let students speak of their country. In this way, you motivate them to talk and others to listen.

What is the one thing you wish you’d known when you started in the classroom?

Arabic. How I wish I had mastered their language. I think it is a must to learn the language before teaching in another country. Well, it’s not required but It’ll be a lot of fun knowing the language. There would be times wherein my students would be surprised because I can understand what they were talking about.

What did your training teach you that was most helpful in preparing you to enjoy and thrive in a classroom today?

I’ve attended seminars in education before and I see to it that I apply the helpful ones. Honestly, everything is like a learning experience for me. I learn the different techniques as I teach. I think every teacher should evaluate her performance as a self-check to know if today’s style was effective or not. If it was effective, I ask myself how I can enhance it. If it wasn’t, then I ask myself what must be done next time. In this way, improvement happens as a daily basis in my teaching career.

If you do not have a masters in education:

I graduated as a BS Biology Major in Applied Biology student in Philippines but most of my outlets and activities were all related to English and journalism. So I was more inclined to teaching English rather than my course. After graduation, I went back to my family who has been living in Saudi Arabia for almost 10 years. Teaching English is an in demand job here in K.S.A. I wanted to take English courses but I couldn’t find a University that would fit my time and budget.

What skills could more developed if you were to enroll in a teacher training program?

I believe I could learn a lot in if I enroll in a teacher training program. I would love to learn more about classroom management and the latest techniques in teaching. I want to know more about ESL teaching. How to encourage students to speak and read long materials.

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Do you know someone with great insights to share with young teachers, or do you want to be considered for an interview? If so, please email us at hello@certificationmap.com.

This is a guest post from our journalist Alex J. Mann.  You can subscribe to his blog here and follow him on Twitter here.

This post is part of the Teachers Certification Map’s “lessons from the field”, a series of posts featuring passionate, inspiring educators from across the country discussing some of the lessons that they have learned over the years that would help young teachers as they embark on their careers.

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Lisa Byrd, who has been teaching for 21 years, teaches Pre-AP English 9, Writing Enhancement, Career Communications (which is yearbook/journalism), and ICC-a technology class at Cutter Morning Star High School in Hot Springs, AR.

Below is our interview with Lisa:

What inspired you to teach?

Honestly, I wanted to be a doctor, or thought I did. At first it was a rebellion against my parents wishes.  I had a basketball coach that had many affairs with girls and when I wouldn’t play he kicked me off the team.  I vowed that I would make sure at least one group of girls wouldn’t have that to deal with.  I discovered that I really liked teaching English though.

What classroom methods are most helpful in pushing students towards their goals?

Treating kids with respect as though they deserve it first instead of having to earn it; showing an interest in kids outside of the classroom; being honest with them; showing them that lessons in school no matter how inane they may seem have an authentic purpose; instead of yelling go the opposite- talk softer.

What is the one thing you wish you’d known when you started in the classroom?

There is no right way to do anything.  You have to learn how to meld your objectives with your communication style.  It’s okay to steal any idea you come across.  Make sure you have the admin on your side. I see so many new teachers that really don’t understand discipline– understand the purpose of discipline.

What did your training teach you that was most helpful in preparing you to enjoy and thrive in a classroom today?

I have an MLA in English.  It taught me how to balance school and work which I don’t think we had to do in the 80’s.  (I think a masters in Education is an

What would you like to improve about your teaching?

College does not prepare you for teaching.  I don’t know how to go about teaching that.  You either have the innate ability to teach and control a group of kids or you don’t. That’s where teaching programs fail–just because you can pay for the classes you get to become a teacher.  People think teaching is so easy.  It’s like herding cats and trying to teach them how to bark at the same time.

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Do you know someone with great insights to share with young teachers, or do you want to be considered for an interview? If so, please email us at hello@certificationmap.com.

This is a guest post from our journalist Alex J. Mann.  You can subscribe to his blog here and follow him on Twitter here.

This post is part of the Teachers Certification Map’s “lessons from the field”, a series of posts featuring passionate, inspiring educators from across the country discussing some of the lessons that they have learned over the years that would help young teachers as they embark on their careers.

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Yana Aronova teaches high school math in Chelsea, MA. She has been teaching for three years, and her 2nd teaching in Chelsea.

Below is our interview with Yana:

What inspired you to teach?

I thought I have the appropriate character traits that would be a good fit; I like helping people, making them feel like they have achieves something, and I was told by someone I admire very much that they believed I was good at it.

What classroom methods are most helpful in pushing students towards their goals?

Honestly, connecting with them, and showing understanding. I have found that my students will go to great lengths and try new things for me if they’re enjoying their class and have a connection with the teacher. So my priority is to find a good, healthy, and stable common ground with all my classes.

What is the one thing you wish you’d known when you started in the classroom? (i.e. advice for new teachers).

That it was going to be a great emotional investment – that it’s perfectly ok to drop dead at home after a day of work even though you’re finished by 3pm everyday. That it’s ok to wing it sometimes, and that you need to forget that “teacher” card about 85% of the time when you’re with the students. Playing the teacher card doesn’t ever really work out.

What skills could more developed if you were to enroll in a teacher training program? What would you like to improve about your teaching?

I would like to be able to see the bigger picture; I would like to have more creative ideas and projects in mind; I would like to work on my classroom management skills and discipline with different types of kids.

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Do you know someone with great insights to share with young teachers, or do you want to be considered for an interview? If so, please email us at hello@certificationmap.com.

This is a guest post from our journalist Alex J. Mann.  You can subscribe to his blog here and follow him on Twitter here.