Teach Like a Champion/Real Applications

           I thoroughly enjoyed the book Teach Like a Champion by Doug Lemov because it contains so many great tools that are so easy to implement in the classroom.  So far techniques 1 & 5 (No Opt Out and Without Apology) have been easy for me to implement in the classroom and have successful results.  Technique 25: Wait Time, is also a successful technique to use particularly in a classroom with a significant number of special needs students.  The author uses nine prompts teachers can use so the students are aware of what there are waiting for.  I believe I could use these prompts and feel more successful with this technique.

            Chapter six focuses on the behavior expectations in the classroom and this is where I feel I need to focus my attention right now.  Sometimes I feel I have things under control and other times I feel I was consistent and/or waited too long to address and potential behavior disruption in the classroom.

            I believe practicing most of the techniques in the book will help me to become a better teacher.  There is so much to learn and practice and this book will help one to practice and master techniques they feel comfortable with on a daily basis.  To “teach like a champion” in my opinion is to be a firm but positive role model in facilitating the needs in a classroom.  I strongly feel this book does that and would highly recommend it to future teachers.  It is also important to know that many school districts are using this book with ALL of their teachers whether they are first year or veteran teachers.

            To close my reflection I have to start with this…EVERY future teacher should be required to take a classroom management class and have student teaching (or a modified model for those who already work in the education system).  I did not have a student teaching assignment because I was exempt through TEA.  Meaning I have worked long enough for a school district in a certain capacity and have received the Texas Grant for a certain amount of time.  I am one of the lucky and few!  That being said I kind of felt left out of the loop with my peers.  Last summer I passed both of my certifications, applied and interviewed with the school district I work for, and arranged for some instruction in my classroom I assist in currently.  This has been the most difficult school year I have experienced!  However I know I am prepared for almost anything that comes my way when I do get my own classroom.  I encourage future teachers to seek out people that will help them along the way.  Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself!  That will give you experience advocating for your students.  I also encourage you to discern your decision to become a teacher.  This profession needs teachers who are energized, prepared, continue their learning, enjoy teaching, and find ways to improve themselves.  Just because you love children doesn’t make you a good teacher.  Feeling the call to teach makes you a TEACHER!