REAL Educators Bringing Out the Inner Expert in Every Teacher
 
 
 
As I started the summer digging in my soil to prepare for the planting of my newly purchased seeds, it occurred to me that gardening and teaching have many similar characteristics. Both the gardener and the teacher understand the importance and power the environment has for optimal growth. While gardeners amend and plow up their soil, teachers set up their classroom by planning and organizing curriculum. The teacher enthusiastically stands at the door to meet and welcome her new students. They are excited and full of anticipation to start the new year as they enter the classroom. Similarly, the gardener gently deposits tiny little seeds into the ground as hope fills the air with the promise of new beginnings! The students and the seeds will be watered and nurtured, while the teacher and the gardener closely monitor and assess daily any changes that might affect their growth. Sometimes no matter how much preparation is put into preparing for the perfect location, a plant will fail to prosper. In this case the gardener must make a diagnosis. Does the plant need more light? Is it getting enough water? He grapples with a series of questions like these as he uses his expertise to help his plant continue to develop. In the classroom a responsive teacher uses ongoing formative assessments to determine student understanding and curriculum instruction. When a teacher notices a student struggling to understand she uses her expertise to determine the problem and prescribe a different path. As the garden transforms, it blooms and displays magnificent colors and shapes. Just like the garden, the students have matured and flourished on a new level of knowledge. When the school year comes to an end, the teacher reflects on her own blooming garden, and with a sense of satisfaction wishes them good luck and prepares for next year’s cycle.
 
The Teacher as a Gardener Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world. ~ Harriet Tubman
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
 
July 29-30, 2008
 
Believers are Achievers
Thinking-Reading-Writing
 
 
Sacramento, CA
 
 
August 5-6 2008
 
The Taskboard
 
Oroville, CA
 
 
August 2008
 
Start the Year Off Right!
 
Oakland, CA
 
 
September 13,2008
 
Start the Year Off Right!
 
Chico, CA
 
contact
info@realeducators.net
(530)  790-0802
 
Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world. ~ Harriet Tubman