Breaking the Mold: Embracing Student-Centered Education

Why is it so easy for us to become the thing we hated?!

I’ve been asking myself this question as I reflect on the disconnect between me and my students. This is a reflection on a reality that many of us confront in our journey as teachers: the struggle to break free from the education we received instead of striving for the education our students need.

I believe one of the primary reasons it's so easy to slip into familiar, sometimes ineffective teaching practices is simply because we lack exposure to alternatives. Throughout our own education and professional development, we've been inundated with examples of teaching methods that prioritize conformity over creativity, compliance over critical thinking. It's challenging to veer from this path when it's all we've ever known.

But there is another way—a way that puts students at the center of their own learning experiences. It's a path less traveled, perhaps, but one that holds the key to transforming education into a space finally meets the needs of the students, trusting us to prepare them for life after high school.

So, how do we start?

RELAX: It's easy to get caught up in demands of the curriculum standardized tests, and pacing calendars. But let's take a step back and remind ourselves: nothing we teach is truly a matter of life or death. What truly impacts students' lives is the relationships they form with educators who genuinely care about their well-being. Let's prioritize authenticity over perfection, vulnerability over pretense.

REFLECT: Growth begins with introspection. We can't address the shortcomings in our teaching practice if we haven't first identified them. Each classroom is unique, each student population diverse. It's only through individual and collective reflection that we can tailor our approach to meet the needs of our students effectively.

REVISE: Mistakes are inevitable. What's crucial is our willingness to acknowledge them and learn from them. Reflection without action is merely an exercise in futility. Let's commit to using our insights to drive meaningful change in our classrooms. And let's not forget that our students are invaluable partners in this process. Their perspectives, experiences, and feedback are invaluable resources as we strive to create learning environments that truly empower and inspire.

The journey toward student-centered education is neither quick nor easy. It requires courage, perseverance, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. But the rewards—seeing students light up with curiosity, confidence, and a hunger for knowledge—are immeasurable.

We usually don’t realize it but the issues we have with schools students often share so working WITH them to make the change is the ONLY path forward.