Teaching Outside the Box- Final Reflection

      This past week, my mentor group and I have wrapped up our summer reading project for Teaching Outside the Box. I have to say that this book is incredibly insightful, and the author's candor and seasoned advice makes it a powerful read. Author LuAnne Johnson answers the tough questions about classroom management, student behavior and teacher preparedness. I highly recommend this book to new and seasoned veteran teachers alike. Here were some of the groups final thoughts on the book.


What was the most influential advice you received from this book, and how can you apply it to your classroom in the future?

      My mentor team and I appreciated the author's candor and thoughtful advice. Teaching is often portrayed in the movies as a romanticized profession, but in reality it can be very exhausting and demanding. Johnson reveals some of the worst that teachers can face in the profession and how to face those issues. Our group appreciated her effective methods for managing the classroom, and the approach she takes of solving issues over time rather than with quick-fix gimmicks. A point also discussed was how excessive planning and over-idealization of your classroom leads to disillusionment.


The author often discusses teaching students more than just content. She's taken a break from time to time in her instruction just to help students learn valuable skills (such as how to read a transcript, form an argument, make a decision etc.) In your day to day job, how do you address those "soft skill" issues with your students?

      Our group shared some thoughts about how to accomplish this task. Its always good to take the time to know your students and learn their goals. Although we are called to teach, a teacher is so much more than someone at the front of the classroom. There are students without good role models and need someone to take a few minuets of the day to check in with them. Through our teaching, we can  develop those skills with what students are learning from their classes, SAE projects and FFA participation.


What aspects of a complete (3 circle model) Ag program do you feel apply some of the topics discussed by the author?

      FFA and SAE projects help interest and motivate students in the classroom. You have to decide as a teacher how much you want to involve your chapter with FFA events and how you can delegate power to students. They allow students to apply what they learn and build their enthusiasm and participation in class.