The Road Less Traveled: Being a Student-Centered Educator is a Journey not a Destination
Each week, I try to gather my thoughts and fill these pages with valuable perspectives you can use as a teacher and leader.
And each time I work to think about how I can support you, I find myself stumbling upon new realizations. Last week, in particular, something clicked for me. I realized that the very reason I find this work both NECESSARY and HARD AS HELL is because there is SO MUCH TO IT!
Being a student-centered educator requires you to be:
Anti-racist
Culturally responsive
A master relationship builder
A social-emotional skill developer
And so much more…
In a world where everyone seems to be preaching the gospel of narrowing down and finding your niche, I've come to a different conclusion.
It's not that I don't value specificity or focus – it's just that being a student-centered educator defies neat categorization. There's no checklist to tick off, no finish line to cross.
It's a journey without a fixed destination.
Think about it: as educators, our primary goal is to meet the needs of our students. But those needs are as diverse and varied as the students themselves. There's no one-size-fits-all approach to student-centered learning because each learner brings their own unique set of experiences, strengths, and challenges to the table.
So, what does this mean for us?
It means embracing the journey – the messy, unpredictable, and sometimes frustrating journey – of student-centered practice. It means being open to experimentation, willing to try new things, and constantly reflecting on our methods and outcomes.
Sure, it's daunting but it's also incredibly rewarding to see the impact of our efforts on the lives of our students.
As we embark on this journey together, here are five reflection questions to ponder:
How can I better tailor my teaching approach to meet the diverse needs of my students?
What resources and support do I need to further develop my skills as a student-centered educator?
(Comment letting me know how I can support you!)How can I involve my students more actively in the learning process and empower them to take ownership of their education?
Remember, the journey towards student-centered practice is ongoing. There will be bumps in the road, moments of doubt, and things that just flat out don’t work but when you stay committed there will be triumphs and breakthroughs that make it all worthwhile.
If you're as passionate about this journey as I know you are, don't forget to sign up for our newsletter! It's chock-full of exclusive content, resources, and insights to support you on your quest to become the best student-centered educator you can be.
Plus, this week's episode of the Black on Black Education podcast is exclusively available to newsletter subscribers – don't miss out!
Here's to the journey ahead! See ya next week <3
