The "BIST" is yet to come...
This week I am learning.......a lot.
I am officially considered a teacher, and so with that official title, I am officially expected to participate in trainings, inservices and other opportunities to continue my education and improve my teaching. All of this is VERY intimidating to me considering that I am still trying to finish my formal education and teach at the same time. Needless to say, I was thrilled to be included in a BIST training this week, where I would learn important tools to help me "Say 'NO' to Acting Out, Defiance and Violence in Our School."
The Behavior Intervention Support Team (BIST) model was developed primarily for students with behavior and emotional disorders. It has been used in a number of facilities where the most violent and "hard" kids are sent after being kicked out of the public school system. Many schools are starting to adapt this model for their "regular" kids, simply because it works so well. The very basic idea is this: If you are doing something in school that would never be acceptable to do on a job, then we are going to address the issue with you and come up with a plan to help you.
These kids are missing essential skills that will help them succeed in life, and sadly, many of these kids will not learn these skills at home. This model encourages teachers to show children grace and hold them accountable for their actions.
The hardest part of this model is not allowing yourself as a teacher to be permissive, or enabling, to lower standards or give more chances. I can remember when I was in school how much time was wasted in the classroom because of that one kid who wouldn't follow directions, or would act out, or disrupt the class. The BIST model actually removes the kid from the community as soon as the hurtful or disruptive behavior occurs and then later, after time to think, the kid has to process with the teacher and actually discuss the behavior and how they can change it. Many of the teachers that are currently using the program love it and find it to be very effective. I can only hope!
The crazy thing is that I haven't ever, really, had to discipline anyone.....and Robbie doesn't count. Today I am feeling a bit overwhelmed - but, in the long run, I will be a better teacher because I am, at the very least, thinking about how to handle problems in the classroom.
The absolute best thing about this training, however, has been the people watching. A cafeteria full of 400 teachers provides for very interesting interpersonal and group dynamics. I have noticed a few things about teachers:
1. Teachers like to talk with their hands.
2. The older teachers love vests, and ANYTHING that is embroidered, cotton and colorful.
3. Teachers love to talk about their "bad" kids.
4. The younger teachers seem to like Gaucho pants and bags with fringe on them.
5. Teachers, much like the medical community, love their acronyms.
I am sure by Friday there will be more to share...
I am officially considered a teacher, and so with that official title, I am officially expected to participate in trainings, inservices and other opportunities to continue my education and improve my teaching. All of this is VERY intimidating to me considering that I am still trying to finish my formal education and teach at the same time. Needless to say, I was thrilled to be included in a BIST training this week, where I would learn important tools to help me "Say 'NO' to Acting Out, Defiance and Violence in Our School."
The Behavior Intervention Support Team (BIST) model was developed primarily for students with behavior and emotional disorders. It has been used in a number of facilities where the most violent and "hard" kids are sent after being kicked out of the public school system. Many schools are starting to adapt this model for their "regular" kids, simply because it works so well. The very basic idea is this: If you are doing something in school that would never be acceptable to do on a job, then we are going to address the issue with you and come up with a plan to help you.
These kids are missing essential skills that will help them succeed in life, and sadly, many of these kids will not learn these skills at home. This model encourages teachers to show children grace and hold them accountable for their actions.
The hardest part of this model is not allowing yourself as a teacher to be permissive, or enabling, to lower standards or give more chances. I can remember when I was in school how much time was wasted in the classroom because of that one kid who wouldn't follow directions, or would act out, or disrupt the class. The BIST model actually removes the kid from the community as soon as the hurtful or disruptive behavior occurs and then later, after time to think, the kid has to process with the teacher and actually discuss the behavior and how they can change it. Many of the teachers that are currently using the program love it and find it to be very effective. I can only hope!
The crazy thing is that I haven't ever, really, had to discipline anyone.....and Robbie doesn't count. Today I am feeling a bit overwhelmed - but, in the long run, I will be a better teacher because I am, at the very least, thinking about how to handle problems in the classroom.
The absolute best thing about this training, however, has been the people watching. A cafeteria full of 400 teachers provides for very interesting interpersonal and group dynamics. I have noticed a few things about teachers:
1. Teachers like to talk with their hands.
2. The older teachers love vests, and ANYTHING that is embroidered, cotton and colorful.
3. Teachers love to talk about their "bad" kids.
4. The younger teachers seem to like Gaucho pants and bags with fringe on them.
5. Teachers, much like the medical community, love their acronyms.
I am sure by Friday there will be more to share...
Comments
Glad to hear they are sending you to this type of training before you start school. It sounds like good prep. Most of the gals I am around are either current or former teachers. Just today I heard a teacher giving another who was going back to the classroom after some extended time off some teacherly advice. Apparently discipline and consistency are very important.
I think you will make a great teacher but say no to the fashion trends you mentioned. Gaucho pants gross me out. Anything that accentuates camel toe and jiggly butt is just wrong.
Good luck!
In my 13 years of school there were the same 3 boys who consistently got in trouble and one girl. One of the boys later went on to be a murderer. The others became solid citizens. We believed our principal, Mr. Kirk, had a paddling machine. When I look back now I remember an air of library quietness in the school (except during recess) and lots and lots of consistency. We knew exactly what to expect from each teacher and exactly what studies we would have in each grade. We knew that on rainy days we would play jacks and jumprope and 'GASP' dodgeball in the all purpose room. And on nice days we ran and screamed and played outside on the playground equipment. We would then come in and rest our heads on our desks for a few minutes with the lights off, to cool down and recharge. We got hugs from our teachers, music and art classes and the promise and absolute assurance that our parents would kill us if we misbehaved at school. Most everyone only needed "that look" from the teacher to settle down. We worked as a community in the classroom too. We mentored each other in classwork. There were no honor classes. I have told you before of the successes of people in my class. I have wonderful memories of those days.
Your Dad and I were just talking about your training last night. I hope that your generation of teachers will see the errors of the present generation (not that I'm placing all the blame there) and choose a different teaching path. You were under that tutaledge, so hopefully you will be able to get rid of what didn't work. I was raised in a time when the expectations were on the child "Police yourself, or society will do it for you". Now too much is done for the children for fear they might be hurt in some way.
I'm with Melissa about the gaucho's. Stick with Capri's. My art teachers always had paint stained hands, maybe you need some aprons?
We are so proud of you.
Love, Mom