There is an adage that says experience is the best teacher that you can have when you live the experience.  I would agree that nothing replaces that.  However, to some extent, I also know that in every field, whether it is medicine, engineering, or in my case, education, returning to the basics is paramount.  People are unaware of its power.  They move about their day in whatever role they play, and rotely repeat and expand upon the basics they were taught.

I played various sports and studied martial arts as a child for roughly ten years.  My coaches and instructors always framed and related whatever skill we were working on to our “basics”.  I understood this concept as a child, that no matter what modification or increased level of performance, any new level learned can be thought of as a more advanced version as the “basics” of that skill.  This concept can also be seen as a student moving from one grade to the next.  Without understanding and mastering the previous level, competency becomes more difficult with the addition of new learning.

A simple way to frame this as a professional teacher is the use of my old textbook.  I still have and use my original elementary methods textbook that I got in my sophomore year in 1994.  Its binding is cracked and split.  Its pages are worn and creased from years of thumbing.  From time to time I would refer to my text for advice and encouragement.  Experience most definitely plays a role in my day to day decision making, but my text has been there to reinforce that my decisions are sound and keep me honest with my teaching.

I have been a graduate adjunct professor for sixteen years, and now tasked with preparing and teaching an elementary methods course.  In preparation for this, I have requested the latest edition of the same textbook that I learned from.  This text is now in its twentieth edition.  The advice and knowledge, although updated, is as good as it was thirty years ago.  The book contains practical advice, highlighted teaching tips, general knowledge, and links to videos for appropriate teaching practices.  As I read it, even though the purpose is for teaching lectures and coursework, I feel its practical application and sage advice continues to reinforce my skills.  

Reading a textbook is not necessarily the most entertaining way to spend your time.  I find that while doing so, I immediately reflect on my own teaching.  I question myself if I do the same things in my twenty-eight year career.  When I am frustrated, do I speak to students in a professional, and caring manner? Are my lessons planned with safety and legality in mind?  Is my curriculum sound and contain proper scope and sequence?  Am I creating assessments that show student growth?  Is discipline handled swiftly, appropriately and with respect to the student?

It is easy for educators after many years of experience to become overwhelmed or lax in their methods.  No one is going to advocate for you to see if what you are doing in the classroom is the best way to use your talent.  In my opinion, if you are someone who does not regularly seek out proper professional development, you are at a disadvantage.  It is important to keep yourself accountable with your skills.  Simply by cracking open your old text, you can reap major benefits.  Anyone can continue to be a solid professional in their career, and it all starts with their basics. 

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Pair this blog post with the following:

Walking Away From the Stigma by  Donn Tobin

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