YOUR TEACHER DNA

YOUR TEACHER DNA
When I was a child, I always marveled at the fact there are people in the world uniquely different, amazingly talented, and gifted. It is very astonishing to think that, we have differences yet we are alike in many ways. Those differences as teachers makes up something I like to call “teacher DNA.” As educators, we are exposed to many “gurus” and experts teaching us strategies related to various concepts, content, curriculum, and common core. These experts all have their own teacher DNA, and you have yours.
Self confidence, designing enjoyable lessons, and becoming more passionate about teaching are payoffs you earn by discovering your teacher DNA.
	Stop looking to someone else for the answer.  You became a teacher because you are a talented, gifted, unique, individual, who can solve problems, provide solutions, and simply figure stuff out! Speaking from personal experience, many times over I have visited classrooms, and watched teacher videos or maybe even movies about inspirational teachers,  and I thought, “I want be like that!” The problem is I could never live up to it. I was setting myself up for failure. I was seeking to be someone, or something not hard wired in my “teacher DNA.”
“You were born an original, don’t live your life being a copy.” unknown
When you discover your teacher DNA you will notice a change in the rapport you build with your students. Class discussions become more student centered, interesting, and genuinely authentic.
	Sit down with a trusted teacher friend, and ask them to describe some unique teacher qualities they observe in you. Yes, this is risky, but it is a great way to get some information about yourself which otherwise, you may not see. Next, journal those qualities on a post-it note, or in a fancy Barnes & Noble Journal, and put them into practice by designing lessons that are tailored to be delivered by you and only you. For example, are you great at getting students to collaborate and work together on an assignment? Then consider designing lessons which promote student collaboration. See, you get the picture. It may take a while, but eventually you will discover your unique, gifts and talents that make up your teacher DNA! Uniquely Teaching -Carlos Gonzalez
Click here to schedule a visit	carlos.gonzalez@omsd.net