Mr. Higgins’ Blog

At the k12 online conference, the Overcoming Obstacles Keynote by Anne Davis made me think about my own obstacles that I face.  She points out a few obstacles that include “lack of time”, “resistance to change”, and a “control issue.”  Out of the many different situations, these three really stick out in my own mind.

1. “Lack of Time”

   - Teachers have a lack of time with colleagues and professional development environments.  This is something that teachers who have been around for a while simply except, do I necessarily have to feel this way?
   - Teachers as advisors to students is something that there is never enough time.  I would love to act as an adult figure in some of my students more often than the four minutes in between classes.

2. “Resistance to Change”

   - This is mainly aimed at administrations and government.  I have a hard time conversing with administrators that do not understand what a difference that a few changes can make.
   - The resistance that students who have been boxed into a certain level of thinking is a serious obstacle when you attempt to challenge critical thinking.

3. “Control Issue”
   
   - Who is controlling the way classrooms are being ran and implemented other than the teachers themselves? 
   - Students work in technology is completely controlled in the majority of schools through various changes in student account privledges.  I struggle with this everyday of my young teaching career.

Much like the keynote address…I just don’t have any answers at this point in my life.  I can only “seize the time” and take full advantage of my time with students and technology.