The Bad and Good Teachers

Teachers play such an important role in developing our children at an early age. 

My memories of a bad teacher recounts a Monday morning when I was in the First Grade. On the agenda for the day was sharing about what you did over the weekend. When it was my turn I stood up and said I could see the wind blowing when my dad took us up to a scenic lookout. There were a lot of clouds blowing around the mountains. It was very windy that day. I was so excited to share that with the class. To my surprise the teacher barked at me and to the class "You can't see the wind it's invisible and Drake said he could see the wind blowing." I remember students starting to laugh. I was so humiliated that day. I did report that incident to my mom and she had a nice talk with that teacher to make sure she never behaves that way again. A good teacher would have used my story to explain to the class how the wind works and thank me for my story.

Memories of a good teacher recounts a very dedicated teacher that offered to tutor me after school to bring me up to speed on a subject. Mission accomplished and she rewarded me after school by taking me across the street to get a milkshake. Such a precious moment I remember when I was in the Second Grade.

My advice to new teachers and veteran teachers is that you need to remind yourself daily that you are setting lifelong memories that are good and bad for your students. You play an important role in the development of young minds to be good students. Make a difference and be that good teacher.

Project Managers and Educators under The Big Top

The two profession have something in common. They both are responsible to motivate individuals to complete tasks to achieve a deliverable. They both have limited authority over the individuals they are responsible for.

When you are in charge of a project you are borrowing staff from other managers to be part of your team. When you are an educator you are tasked with a mission to teach.

How do you achieve respect and control over individuals that you have no direct control over. It's up to you to set the ground rules in the beginning to show who is the master. It's like a Lion Tamer. You cannot show fear and you can't be over aggressive either. It's a delicate balance to gain true respect. It's a social game you have to play. If you come off as a jerk or too soft you will be eaten alive metaphorically.

Project Managers and Educators who feel they are qualified in their profession need to take a closer look at themselves. The two professions have a lot in common. They both need to have the ability to motivate people to achieve an accomplishment by dealing with resistance at times and getting back on track.

I have been using the blend in approach by not flaunting my limited position of authority. Grab everyone's attention early to get them onboard with you that we are all here to achieve an accomplishment. They all know I'm in charge. It's how you handle the people to make them comfortable with the goals you are guiding them to achieve. 

All the certifications and education does not make you a good project manager or educator. You need heart and soul. Ask yourself why you are in your chosen field. Do you have a passion to lead people to make an achievement because that's what it is all about. 

Life can be a circus at times. Who said it's a cakewalk to manage projects and teach? It's not for everyone. If your going to do it then put on a show and #MakeItCount

Educators using web based Project Management Software

Educators can benefit from using project management software by outlining their curriculum for the semester. Stay on track to meet the goals of the semester. You wil be able to tune your curriculum by tracking and making adjustments on where you need to spend more or less time on subjects.  

The software has more features that will make you a well organized educator.

Free trial to test it out: https://www.wrike.com/?r=HkkJ7vgL