Doing Better Things: Choose either a quote or a story from this chapter that inspired you to do better things. Explain that inspiration and how you will apply it in your own practice.
“When kids feel like school is a great place to be, they learn”. This is a great reminder that we need to build relationships with our students. If we can have those positive relationships with our students, they will look forward to coming to school everyday and they will want to learn.
"When kids feel like a school is a great place to be, they learn". I like this quote because it is so true. When kids want to go there it starts with a good attitude that they are there in the first place. If they dread going then they will dread even attempting to learn as well. I recall one student who struggled in almost every school subject when he first came to my class. By building the positive relationship with him, he loved coming to school and made huge leaps and bounds in all subject areas! As im not currently teaching, but I am homeschooling my youngest. I will definitely remember this as I progress along with hus learning. I want to always make it a place to want to come everyday!
"The way you'll become a great teacher is by trying bold things. Good for you." Was said to Pam Moran on her first day of teaching. She then became the superintendent of the Albemarie County Public Schools in Virginia. This is a great reminder for me as a teacher to say to my students. Making mistakes, like bringing a snake to class and having it bite you in front of your students may not have been smart, but it wasn't boring! I want my students to know that it is better to try and fail than to just watch the ball go by and strike you out. I just think anything that has been created or that has made a difference has been bold. I want to try new things in my classroom -- wrap a huge refrigerator box and have it sitting in the middle of my room so the student start guessing immediately what is in it and why is it there. I want to take my students to see creative productions on the campus of our local college. I want to create meaningful, not boring, engagement with their world. This book has reminded me of that -- even if it takes a bit of prep. I enjoy my job more, and of course, the kids do too.
Doing Better Things: Choose either a quote or a story from this chapter that inspired you to do better things. Explain that inspiration and how you will apply it in your own practice. "The way you'll become a great teacher is by trying bold things. Good for you." I definitely need to remember this more. Something I preach to my students is to try. It doesn't matter if it is right or wrong, just try. I need to be a better example of that to my students. Trying new things in teaching is scary but can be so good. Hopefully, trying new things will lead to better things. If anything, I can make the fail better and try again the next time. I am often worried that it won't work out and students REALLY won't learn anything. However, they probably would learn more from seeing something not work out and me trying again.
Doing Better Things: Choose either a quote or a story from this chapter that inspired you to do better things. Explain that inspiration and how you will apply it in your own practice. "When kids feel like a school is a great place to be, they learn". I love this quote because I have always said that my first priority is to make sure my classroom is a safe, fun and caring environment to be in. I want my students to know they are valued and cared about. So many students at my school come from difficult home lives and school may be their only stable place. If a child is happy, feels safe and knows they are cared about, they are going to want to perform better.
The quote that inspired me most was, “The way you’ll become a great teacher is by trying bold things.” This statement challenges the idea that great teaching comes only from experience or following established systems. Instead, it suggests that growth happens when educators are willing to take risks, step outside of their comfort zones, and try innovative approaches for the benefit of their students. This inspires me to continue implementing bold, experience-based and play-based learning opportunities in my Early Childhood Special Education classroom, even when there is pressure to focus primarily on measurable outcomes. Trying bold things might mean increasing outdoor learning, integrating more child-led projects, or advocating for functional and social skill development alongside academics. By being willing to innovate and trust my professional judgment, I can better meet my students’ developmental needs and help them grow in meaningful, lasting ways.
Several quotes stood out to me, but the one I like best is "When people are ordered to do something they don't believe in, they go through the motions. When they take ownership of their goal, they blow you away." I have seen this a lot- in my own children and in the children that I work with today. They are excited to get out of the classroom and do something different, that challenges their thinking-- even though it is standardized testing. We also visit about school and life and I hear lots of "hating school" to which I try to offer the incentive of getting into high school and getting to choose classes that are fun and different. Reading this book has really challenged me to think about our education system and what we are teaching. I also agree with the part of this reading that talked about if a child does not do well with something-- we give them more and more instruction in that area, often sending them to summer school or extra tutoring with no time to digest and take in the information and use it to get better. This book really did make me think about what school could be.
In the “Doing Better Things” chapter of What School Could Be, Ted Dintersmith shares many examples of educators who move beyond traditional instruction and create meaningful learning experiences for their students. One quote from this chapter that is especially inspiring is the idea that schools should focus on “doing better things, not just doing things better.” This quote is powerful because it challenges educators to rethink the purpose of teaching. Instead of simply improving the same traditional methods—such as lectures, worksheets, and test preparation—it encourages teachers to design learning experiences that are more meaningful, engaging, and connected to the real world. It suggests that true improvement in education comes from changing what we ask students to do, not just how efficiently we do it. This idea inspires me because it reminds me that teaching should focus on helping students develop skills that matter beyond the classroom. Rather than focusing only on memorizing information for tests, students should have opportunities to explore ideas, solve real problems, collaborate with others, and think creatively. These experiences can help students become more motivated and confident in their abilities. In my own practice, I would apply this inspiration by trying to incorporate more project-based learning and student choice into lessons. For example, instead of assigning a traditional research paper, students could work in groups to investigate a real issue in their community and present possible solutions. This approach would allow students to practice research, critical thinking, communication, and teamwork while also seeing how their learning connects to real life. Overall, the message of “doing better things” reminds educators that improving education is not just about refining existing systems but about creating new opportunities for students to learn in deeper and more meaningful ways. By focusing on experiences that build curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills, teachers can help students reach their full potential and prepare them for the challenges of the future.
The quote that really resonates with me is, "When kids feel like a school is a great place to be, they learn." This idea inspires me as a School Counselor because it reinforces the connection between a student’s emotional and social environment and their ability to succeed academically. When students feel safe, valued, and supported, they are more likely to engage in learning, take risks, and develop confidence in their abilities, among a number of other positive outcomes. In my daily practice as a School Counselor, I apply this by prioritizing relationship building and creating a welcoming environment for every student. I check in regularly with students to understand their social and emotional needs, provide support when challenges arise, and help them navigate academic and personal obstacles. I also work to foster a positive school culture by collaborating with teachers, staff, and families to ensure students feel seen, heard, and included. This approach not only supports individual students but also contributes to a school climate where learning is meaningful, engaging, and purposeful. By focusing on making school a place students want to be, I can help them reach their full potential both inside and outside the classroom.
"Kids don’t need to be ‘college and career ready, They need to be life ready." I feel like this captures Ted's main argument that schools should focus on skills and experiences that prepare students for real life, not just tests or jobs. I couldn't agree more with his stance on this as well and it is something I try to do within my own classroom with my students. Learning content is important, but helping students be ready for life and grow into good, responsible citizens is even more important in my opinion.
Doing Better Things: Choose either a quote or a story from this chapter that inspired you to do better things. Explain that inspiration and how you will apply it in your own practice." When kids feel like school is a great place to be they learn." Kids need to know that the people at school care about them and are willing to do what it takes to help them in school and out of school. Kids also need to see teachers excited about what they are teaching. When teachers are excited then the students can be excited. Kids will put in as much effort as the teachers puts in. This book has made me look at how we are teaching. As teachers we need to change up how we teach to and what we teach to our students. Things are different than what it was 30 years ago, even 10 years ago. Students need a reason and a purpose to learn otherwise they are just going through the motions of what is need to graduate and go to college.
The quote from this chapter that really stuck with me is "When kids feel like school is a great place to be they learn." I think this shows the importance of making all students feel welcome and comfortable in the school. This starts by learning about the student as an individual, their interests, their family life, what bother the, etc. It also shows the connection between social/emotional well-being and academic success. I try my best to form relationships with each student coming through my door. I try to do this by spending time with them outside of academic time and having authentic conversations with them. It is important to ask about their lives outside of school and show you truly care.
Doing Better Things: Choose either a quote or a story from this chapter that inspired you to do better things. Explain that inspiration and how you will apply it in your own practice.
"Inspiration are the qualities that drive good schools."..... "Give the pupils something to do, not something to learn and the doing is of such a nature as to demand thinking - learning naturally results."
Over the years, it has been clear that we need to be more facilitators. However, I do think there is a time and place for explicit learning since I teach math not all students can work through problems and come to conjectures on their own!!
When kids feel like a school is a great place to be, they learn. I really like this comment and it is so true. I think when kids feel safe and the teacher makes learning fun, kids can’t wait to get to class. I teach a careers class for 8th grades and we explore a lot of careers and take field trips and bring in speakers and at the end of the term, I ask the kids how I can improve the class and they tell me that they really enjoy all the activities that we do and it gets them to start thinking about their career and what they want to do which was my goal from the start.
Doing Better Things: Choose either a quote or a story from this chapter that inspired you to do better things. Explain that inspiration and how you will apply it in your own practice. "When kids feel like a school is a great place to be, they learn." I love this quote. Students who love coming to school have a desire to learn. If every day is a carbon copy of the previous day, students will be bored and no longer have a desire to be engaged in learning. I've been teaching for many years, but I continually look for ways to improve my instruction techniques. If I become stagnant in my instruction, then I cannot expect anything better from my students. I want my classroom to be a place where students can ask questions, make mistakes, and encourage one another. This is the joy of teaching. Every day is a new day, and that new day allows me to make it a great day for my students.
Newark, New Jersey with Dr. Mario Santos- the at risk student named Oscar stuck out to me. It said his dad was in prison and his brother was a drug dealer. Oscar hoped to attend school when there weren't any open spots. He wanted better and he said to Dr. Santos, "we read in history class about how adults in our country worked together long ago to put someone on the moon. Do you think adults can work together to make our schools great?" Great thought!! There are so many things standing in the way of students like Oscar, a student who wants to break the cycle, that we educators have to keep pushing for better ways for our students. In the past, I have had students like Oscar. I see their potential and pray that they can break the cycle. I make sure to "see" all of my students daily, but to really hone in on at- risk kiddos to let them know that I am there for them whenever they need something. I want them to know that they are capable of anything. One thing I need to get better on, and I have over time, is understanding that students cannot focus on their learning if their daily needs aren't met. If a students hungry, give them a snack. If they are tired, let them sleep a little bit. These basic needs have to be met before any child can learn and it's up to us educators to see that they are!
“When kids feel like school is a great place to be, they learn”. This is a great reminder that we need to build relationships with our students. If we can have those positive relationships with our students, they will look forward to coming to school everyday and they will want to learn.
ReplyDelete"When kids feel like a school is a great place to be, they learn". I like this quote because it is so true. When kids want to go there it starts with a good attitude that they are there in the first place. If they dread going then they will dread even attempting to learn as well. I recall one student who struggled in almost every school subject when he first came to my class. By building the positive relationship with him, he loved coming to school and made huge leaps and bounds in all subject areas! As im not currently teaching, but I am homeschooling my youngest. I will definitely remember this as I progress along with hus learning. I want to always make it a place to want to come everyday!
ReplyDelete"The way you'll become a great teacher is by trying bold things. Good for you." Was said to Pam Moran on her first day of teaching. She then became the superintendent of the Albemarie County Public Schools in Virginia. This is a great reminder for me as a teacher to say to my students. Making mistakes, like bringing a snake to class and having it bite you in front of your students may not have been smart, but it wasn't boring! I want my students to know that it is better to try and fail than to just watch the ball go by and strike you out. I just think anything that has been created or that has made a difference has been bold. I want to try new things in my classroom -- wrap a huge refrigerator box and have it sitting in the middle of my room so the student start guessing immediately what is in it and why is it there. I want to take my students to see creative productions on the campus of our local college. I want to create meaningful, not boring, engagement with their world. This book has reminded me of that -- even if it takes a bit of prep. I enjoy my job more, and of course, the kids do too.
ReplyDeleteDoing Better Things: Choose either a quote or a story from this chapter that inspired you to do better things. Explain that inspiration and how you will apply it in your own practice.
ReplyDelete"The way you'll become a great teacher is by trying bold things. Good for you."
I definitely need to remember this more. Something I preach to my students is to try. It doesn't matter if it is right or wrong, just try. I need to be a better example of that to my students. Trying new things in teaching is scary but can be so good. Hopefully, trying new things will lead to better things. If anything, I can make the fail better and try again the next time. I am often worried that it won't work out and students REALLY won't learn anything. However, they probably would learn more from seeing something not work out and me trying again.
Doing Better Things: Choose either a quote or a story from this chapter that inspired you to do better things. Explain that inspiration and how you will apply it in your own practice.
ReplyDelete"When kids feel like a school is a great place to be, they learn". I love this quote because I have always said that my first priority is to make sure my classroom is a safe, fun and caring environment to be in. I want my students to know they are valued and cared about. So many students at my school come from difficult home lives and school may be their only stable place. If a child is happy, feels safe and knows they are cared about, they are going to want to perform better.
The quote that inspired me most was, “The way you’ll become a great teacher is by trying bold things.” This statement challenges the idea that great teaching comes only from experience or following established systems. Instead, it suggests that growth happens when educators are willing to take risks, step outside of their comfort zones, and try innovative approaches for the benefit of their students. This inspires me to continue implementing bold, experience-based and play-based learning opportunities in my Early Childhood Special Education classroom, even when there is pressure to focus primarily on measurable outcomes. Trying bold things might mean increasing outdoor learning, integrating more child-led projects, or advocating for functional and social skill development alongside academics. By being willing to innovate and trust my professional judgment, I can better meet my students’ developmental needs and help them grow in meaningful, lasting ways.
ReplyDeleteSeveral quotes stood out to me, but the one I like best is "When people are ordered to do something they don't believe in, they go through the motions. When they take ownership of their goal, they blow you away." I have seen this a lot- in my own children and in the children that I work with today. They are excited to get out of the classroom and do something different, that challenges their thinking-- even though it is standardized testing. We also visit about school and life and I hear lots of "hating school" to which I try to offer the incentive of getting into high school and getting to choose classes that are fun and different. Reading this book has really challenged me to think about our education system and what we are teaching. I also agree with the part of this reading that talked about if a child does not do well with something-- we give them more and more instruction in that area, often sending them to summer school or extra tutoring with no time to digest and take in the information and use it to get better. This book really did make me think about what school could be.
ReplyDeleteIn the “Doing Better Things” chapter of What School Could Be, Ted Dintersmith shares many examples of educators who move beyond traditional instruction and create meaningful learning experiences for their students. One quote from this chapter that is especially inspiring is the idea that schools should focus on “doing better things, not just doing things better.”
ReplyDeleteThis quote is powerful because it challenges educators to rethink the purpose of teaching. Instead of simply improving the same traditional methods—such as lectures, worksheets, and test preparation—it encourages teachers to design learning experiences that are more meaningful, engaging, and connected to the real world. It suggests that true improvement in education comes from changing what we ask students to do, not just how efficiently we do it.
This idea inspires me because it reminds me that teaching should focus on helping students develop skills that matter beyond the classroom. Rather than focusing only on memorizing information for tests, students should have opportunities to explore ideas, solve real problems, collaborate with others, and think creatively. These experiences can help students become more motivated and confident in their abilities.
In my own practice, I would apply this inspiration by trying to incorporate more project-based learning and student choice into lessons. For example, instead of assigning a traditional research paper, students could work in groups to investigate a real issue in their community and present possible solutions. This approach would allow students to practice research, critical thinking, communication, and teamwork while also seeing how their learning connects to real life.
Overall, the message of “doing better things” reminds educators that improving education is not just about refining existing systems but about creating new opportunities for students to learn in deeper and more meaningful ways. By focusing on experiences that build curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills, teachers can help students reach their full potential and prepare them for the challenges of the future.
The quote that really resonates with me is, "When kids feel like a school is a great place to be, they learn." This idea inspires me as a School Counselor because it reinforces the connection between a student’s emotional and social environment and their ability to succeed academically. When students feel safe, valued, and supported, they are more likely to engage in learning, take risks, and develop confidence in their abilities, among a number of other positive outcomes.
ReplyDeleteIn my daily practice as a School Counselor, I apply this by prioritizing relationship building and creating a welcoming environment for every student. I check in regularly with students to understand their social and emotional needs, provide support when challenges arise, and help them navigate academic and personal obstacles. I also work to foster a positive school culture by collaborating with teachers, staff, and families to ensure students feel seen, heard, and included. This approach not only supports individual students but also contributes to a school climate where learning is meaningful, engaging, and purposeful. By focusing on making school a place students want to be, I can help them reach their full potential both inside and outside the classroom.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete"Kids don’t need to be ‘college and career ready, They need to be life ready."
ReplyDeleteI feel like this captures Ted's main argument that schools should focus on skills and experiences that prepare students for real life, not just tests or jobs. I couldn't agree more with his stance on this as well and it is something I try to do within my own classroom with my students. Learning content is important, but helping students be ready for life and grow into good, responsible citizens is even more important in my opinion.
Doing Better Things: Choose either a quote or a story from this chapter that inspired you to do better things. Explain that inspiration and how you will apply it in your own practice." When kids feel like school is a great place to be they learn." Kids need to know that the people at school care about them and are willing to do what it takes to help them in school and out of school. Kids also need to see teachers excited about what they are teaching. When teachers are excited then the students can be excited. Kids will put in as much effort as the teachers puts in. This book has made me look at how we are teaching. As teachers we need to change up how we teach to and what we teach to our students. Things are different than what it was 30 years ago, even 10 years ago. Students need a reason and a purpose to learn otherwise they are just going through the motions of what is need to graduate and go to college.
ReplyDeleteThe quote from this chapter that really stuck with me is "When kids feel like school is a great place to be they learn." I think this shows the importance of making all students feel welcome and comfortable in the school. This starts by learning about the student as an individual, their interests, their family life, what bother the, etc. It also shows the connection between social/emotional well-being and academic success. I try my best to form relationships with each student coming through my door. I try to do this by spending time with them outside of academic time and having authentic conversations with them. It is important to ask about their lives outside of school and show you truly care.
ReplyDeleteDoing Better Things: Choose either a quote or a story from this chapter that inspired you to do better things. Explain that inspiration and how you will apply it in your own practice.
ReplyDelete"Inspiration are the qualities that drive good schools."..... "Give the pupils something to do, not something to learn and the doing is of such a nature as to demand thinking - learning naturally results."
Over the years, it has been clear that we need to be more facilitators. However, I do think there is a time and place for explicit learning since I teach math not all students can work through problems and come to conjectures on their own!!
When kids feel like a school is a great place to be, they learn.
ReplyDeleteI really like this comment and it is so true. I think when kids feel safe and the teacher makes learning fun, kids can’t wait to get to class. I teach a careers class for 8th grades and we explore a lot of careers and take field trips and bring in speakers and at the end of the term, I ask the kids how I can improve the class and they tell me that they really enjoy all the activities that we do and it gets them to start thinking about their career and what they want to do which was my goal from the start.
Doing Better Things: Choose either a quote or a story from this chapter that inspired you to do better things. Explain that inspiration and how you will apply it in your own practice.
ReplyDelete"When kids feel like a school is a great place to be, they learn." I love this quote. Students who love coming to school have a desire to learn. If every day is a carbon copy of the previous day, students will be bored and no longer have a desire to be engaged in learning. I've been teaching for many years, but I continually look for ways to improve my instruction techniques. If I become stagnant in my instruction, then I cannot expect anything better from my students. I want my classroom to be a place where students can ask questions, make mistakes, and encourage one another. This is the joy of teaching. Every day is a new day, and that new day allows me to make it a great day for my students.
Newark, New Jersey with Dr. Mario Santos- the at risk student named Oscar stuck out to me. It said his dad was in prison and his brother was a drug dealer. Oscar hoped to attend school when there weren't any open spots. He wanted better and he said to Dr. Santos, "we read in history class about how adults in our country worked together long ago to put someone on the moon. Do you think adults can work together to make our schools great?"
ReplyDeleteGreat thought!! There are so many things standing in the way of students like Oscar, a student who wants to break the cycle, that we educators have to keep pushing for better ways for our students. In the past, I have had students like Oscar. I see their potential and pray that they can break the cycle. I make sure to "see" all of my students daily, but to really hone in on at- risk kiddos to let them know that I am there for them whenever they need something. I want them to know that they are capable of anything. One thing I need to get better on, and I have over time, is understanding that students cannot focus on their learning if their daily needs aren't met. If a students hungry, give them a snack. If they are tired, let them sleep a little bit. These basic needs have to be met before any child can learn and it's up to us educators to see that they are!