2018 Education

Page 10 2018 EDUCATION MAGAZINE LINCOLN DAILY NEWS MARCH 1, 2018 mindset. Teachers have taken it and “run with it” and reflections from the teachers show many students love it. The goal is to hold students to a higher standard. Aper said teachers reflecting on lessons and student growth helps teachers feel a sense of community. She does not want teachers to ever feel isolated. Aper said, “We rise by lifting others.” Irwin said, “We believe in what we are doing” and “all of it is grounded in research.” Instructional coach Christy Moore has worked with teachers on how to implement what they have learned. Irwin works to focus on the growth mindset and be willing to lead, teach, and learn. Irwin said, “We do not learn by watching, but by doing.” They are teaching strategies to make something “click for a kid.” Irwin said they encourage teachers to implement something related to the growth mindset. A weekly newsletter highlights success. Teachers are reading the book “The Growth Mindset Coach,” which is “a handbook for empowering students to achieve” and provides objectives, strategies, and lesson plans teachers can use. When teachers reflect on a lesson or implement something in the growth mindset, they can win gift cards. Irwin said the teachers incorporate the book in different ways. With the grant, teachers have books they read to the classroom. Irwin said with students, all have the ability to learn and grow. There is no “cookie cutter” leaning style when every child is different. Kids need to learn that mistakes are acceptable and learn to take risks because skills are built and “we learn a lot by failing.” Irwin said, instead of saying “I can’t do that,” children should learn to say, “I can’t do that yet.” Aper said the teachers have been posting photos of what students have done and the kids’ language has changed. Kids are no longer scared to come into the office. CONTINUED →