In our district, the collaboration between students, teachers, and administrators continues to be a blessing. This entry focuses on those voices in our schools. We reached out to these players and asked this question: If we look through the Window Into Classrooms here at BUHSD, what are you thankful for in the realm of Curriculum & Instruction? #gratitude
It’s no mystery that as teachers build relationships with their students, it has a positive effect on the instruction in the classroom. Our student voices focused on this concept. Students submitted their responses about their classrooms, but in reality, their #gratitude revolves around the people who teach them. “They are wonderful teachers who know how to keep their students in check and be fun about it at the same time.”
“Yo estoy agradecida con (mi maestra) porque gracias a ella, he aprendido que no hay límites para ser una gran persona.”
“(My teacher) has taught me that you can’t do everything by yourself and you need to work with other people to be able to make something great and fun.”
“I'm thankful for (my teacher) because he was helpful in class and he was always really funny too.”
“People in band and our teacher have all become my family. We work hard and even on our bad days we work through it and try to achieve as much as we can.”
“(My math teacher) contributes to many fun activities in the Math Club field trips, and inclusively helps students that are not in his math class. #gratitude #MathClub”
“(My teacher) teaches me important things and she loves her work.”
“This class has pushed me out of my shell … I am a leader because of everything this class and my teacher have taught me. I can truly say I am less anxious socially.”
“My teacher not only works after school, but weekends and holidays too. I am #grateful for her because I know that if my animal for fair gets sick or needs any kind of help I can call her up and she is on her way no matter what time.”
“I am grateful for (my teacher) because she brings us breakfast.”
“I'm grateful for all my teachers this year because they have all taught me new things.”
The voices we hear in these student statements talk about an array of classrooms and teachers. From grand gestures in lessons to small connections to build self-confidence, teachers have impacted the learning of our students.
At the BUHSD schools, students aren’t the only people who are continuously learning. Teachers collectively point at the opportunities to learn and the support they receive as their main focus for #gratitude.
“I am thankful because I have an administrative team that has created a culture where teachers can feel comfortable to try new things and make mistakes.”
“I am thankful for having the opportunity to help students explore mathematics in their community and watch their excitement as they share their discoveries with classmates.”
“STEM students taught me how to collaborate on a PREZI. Students are my techies!”
“I am grateful to have a job where every day I have an opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of young people.”
“I am grateful to the district and administration for seeing a need within our student body and addressing it, by creating courses intended to instruct our students in how to plan for life beyond high school.”
“I am thankful to work in a noble profession that keeps me in contact with teenagers, who are our future, and keep me on my toes.”
“I'm grateful for students who are willing to try new things as I continue to adjust my strategies to meet their needs.”
“I am grateful for the incredible amount of support for our CTE programs and thankful for the open communication we have to keep improving them!”
“I'm grateful for administrators and teachers who trust me to implement the best interventions for our students during support.”
“I am so very thankful to work with amazing colleagues and students, they are the reason I love working at BUHS!”
“I am grateful for Student Desmos and the learning activities that it provides to the students. These activities keep the students engaged in learning the concepts we are working on and it is fun.”
“I am grateful for the online version of our textbook and the opportunities to use online assignments and assessments through this curriculum.”
I am grateful for our Instructional Aides and their help and knowledge that they share with students.”
“(I’m) thankful for my colleagues in the math department. I get to work with a very supportive team and learn from them.” “I am thankful for my department (Social Science) and our ability to be flexible and open minded to new ideas. (Our) department understands that we must be flexible in order not to break.”
“I am thankful for a career that lets me focus on my passion and keeps me connected with my community (I love to see how the young people develop into hard working adults).”
“I am thankful for the resources and support of administration,and I am thankful for the friendship between staff both on and off campus.”
“I am thankful to work with so many hard working and talented teachers and administrators that support each other and inspire each other to be better educators in the classroom."
Administrators in the district are united in their #gratitude toward the teachers and their ability to grow and learn as professionals. Their profession is also profoundly impacted by the students they work with each day. They said:
“I’m thankful for classrooms that are no longer dominated by direct instruction but by students in charge of their learning.”
“The teachers at our schools take risks and include me in these risks so I can learn.”
“Teachers at BUHSD usually run toward technology instead of running away from it.”
“I’m thankful for the continued increase in student engagement and collaboration in every class and the willingness of DVHS teachers to allow for more student voice in their classrooms.”
“I'm grateful for the willingness of our teachers to stretch, grow, reach, step outside of their comfort zone - so that our kids can do the same. Thank you.”
“I'm thankful for teachers promoting student voice in activities so that all kids showcase their learning. #gratitude”
As we spend time this month reflecting on #gratitude, we want to also thank you, our stakeholders, for your commitment to learning about our school and classrooms.
THANK YOUPersonal Progress Report to BUHSD Staff:
Still at 12 minute & 35 seconds! (Don't forget to hold me accountable!)
Our family has been focused on together time with music.
Watching demo lessons and seeing the creativity of our teachers has been my motivation lately.
#ifnotusthenwho #hopesquad #brawleyproud #scorpionpride
