During my first year of teaching, all of the new teachers had to attend the Beginning Teacher’s Institute. We spent the weekend conference talking and connecting with other educators. I attended a public school, so I was not familiar with the private school format. The presenters focused on curriculum development, classroom management, and how to plan your lessons to make them the most effective. You were given a platform to expand the student’s minds and their thinking. Private Schools do not have the public school districts breathing down their necks expecting testing results to bring in funding. Although, parents do expect to get a return on their investment. Your curriculum better lead to high AP, SAT, PSAT, and ACT scores. There is a lot of pressure to be competitive. I loved this format.

When I changed schools, there was a new set of pedagogic rules I had to learn which emphasized Mediated Learning Experience (MLE). What is that exactly? On the first day of professional development, the director said it would take at least three years to learn this format. In MLE, you must state the reason you are teaching a lesson and the students must acknowledge this statement before you can continue. I had no idea that an IEP could be so complex. The objectives and corresponding goals that must be met within a school year are so extensive that it seems impossible to create a program suited to meet these expectations. How on earth do you insure a 12th grader is college and career ready when they are reading on a 5th grade level? It will be difficult for them to fill out a community college application or find a job without proper training.

Do you want your child to succeed? Be a part of their learning process. What you say matters. They may not like that you are intrusive now, but they will love that you stood by them when they reflect back to this point in their life. You are not their friend; if you want a buddy, find someone other than a teenager. They are moody, and their sense of humor is questionable at best.

I love books. My mother used to read to my sister and me every day. It is amazing how a good story can engage and transform even the most reluctant reader. I remember re-reading “The Giving Tree” as an adult. I thought the boy was so selfish that by the end of the story there was nothing left of the tree to give. Curious George was another personal favorite growing up. On each new adventure, George would find himself caught up in a bit of mischief. As a child, I was always curious about the world around me, and that inquisitive nature seemed to develop over time. At least twice a week encourage your kids to be curious about the world around them. MLE has shown me a different approach to teaching. My intentions are always clear. I want my students to get a good education. I want them to become successful members of their community, however that will not happen unless they want to put in the work to achieve their goals.