Flexible Mindset

Mindset has been on my mind a lot lately.  Mindset is more powerful and important that most people imagine.

Mindset determines your direction.  It determines the amount of effort one puts into life.  It also determines success. 

Mindset is a cross between attitude and belief.

So...How does one control Mindset?

I believe it all begins with attitude.  We have to start with a positive attitude.

Next, you have to become aware of your belief system.  If your belief system is not going in the direction of the mindset that you are looking for...it needs to change for anything else to change.

Meanwhile, we need to be careful not to lock ourselves into a mindset.  In education, we call it a fixed mindset.  In life, it is a static mindset- not allowing ourselves to deviate from a straight line.  Static mindsets keep up tied so closely to routines that we lose life, worrying about being on track of our routines.  Many call this OCD...it is obsessive!

The opposite of a static mindset is a flexible mindset.  We roll with the changes.  We take things in stride.  We can walk away, say no to things, and meanwhile...we take care of ourselves in the process.

Is this where I am?

Not yet.

But I am on the road...

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Beyond Auto-Pilot

For those who truly know me, they know that I am very reflective in nature.  Sometimes, as a reflective person, we learn that we are not really living the life that we were hoping.

In my case, for the last little while, I have been living life in the auto-pilot zone.  This was at least until the beginning of this year when I started writing daily.  Apparently writing in reflection can help you do that...make changes due to what you find out.

What does this mean for me as a person?

I am taking better care of myself.

I am living with more intention.

I am being me with much less guilt.

I am taking my time in life.

I am living my mantra- be in the moment.

Sometimes we need to wake up from the stupor of life and reassess.  It was my time.  Yes, writing and reflecting helped me to get here.  It is my daily reflective practices and meditations that have been keeping me here.

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Lit the Flame

Hello Mr. Levine, I wanted to let you know that I will most likely try to become a history teacher for high school or to be a professor, and that you were my inspiration because you were the spark the lit the flame for my love for history and I thank you greatly for that!

I know that I recently posted about a similar event in my life, but this one took me by great surprise.  

This was sent to me via Facebook Messenger in the past week.  I love this for many reasons.

1. This came from a male student.  Most of my students that go on to become teachers have been female.

2.  This student was a good student, but struggled with academics and attention.  He was able to become more of a student with the addition of more life.

3.  He wants to become a history teacher.  He knows that this means teaching content AND skills!

I am proud of him.

I am a little proud of me.

I am thankful that I exist in a situation where I can inspire.


Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Changing Staff

Today I found out that one of my peers will not be in my middle school next year. 

It's funny- in the teaching world (maybe others), your colleagues and peers become like family.  You become accustomed to having them around.  Sometimes, you simply take for granted that they will be by your side until you retire.  The sad truth is- people leave.  Staff changes due to promotion, staffing needs, and other life changes.

As I reflect on this, I am left with two things to ponder.

1.  I should express more appreciation for my peers.  I should especially show those that I completely respect the deserved appreciation. 

2. I should appreciate the time that I do have with my peers and be verbal about my appreciation.

We don't always get to like who we work with.  It is truly a gift.

The life of a teacher offers so many gifts, even in times of a changing or uncertain world.

As I prepare to retire in the next handful of years...from teaching to writing...I wonder how or if my leaving will impact others.

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

More than Positive

As I notice more and more of my online peers having their Spring Break, I cannot help and reflect on the fact that mine still waits for me another two weeks.

Today, on what should be a stressful test day for students and staff, I was wonderfully reminded what power attitude has.  Especially a positive attitude.

After 90+ minutes of testing, the students- who are also waiting patiently for their Spring Break, we in an incredible mood.  They were laughing, playing, high-fiving each other, and singing.  They were smiling even though there is so much going on in their lives.  They are smiling even though they are in a waiting pattern for their Spring Break.

Meanwhile, staff is also laughing and smiling.  Singing and spreading happiness.

It is incredible that mood is so inspirational and influential.  If we could just remember this as we approach our students- all of our students.  Being positive can help any and all situations.

Be Mindful.

Peace.


Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

New Mindset

How powerful is mindset?

As we go into our state testing for the year, I had a talk with my students.  Actually, all of their teachers had a talk with them.  Our building called it PARCC Boot Camp. (Named after the PARCC test)

As the students were hearing the "You are ready and You will rock this test" message all day long, there was magic.  Our kids were feeling pumped up and ready to tackle the test.  They reflected on all of their growth and pointed out evidence of their success and readiness!

Their minds were made up.  Their minds were positive and ready.  They took on a confident mindset and were looking at the test as a positive challenge.

Now-

Can it last throughout the two weeks of testing?

I think it can...if we continue the mindset.



Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Writing Real

I have noticed in the past few months through my writing, that the more that I write daily, the more authentic and transparent my writing becomes.

I have never been a "closed person" in real life, but in my writing, I have often sided with the clinical and less personal.  This has been something that I have been working on intentionally for the past two years.  In other words, I have been developing a more personal and approachable voice in my writing.

To do this...to get here, I had to make a choice to let down my guard and simply be real in my writing.

It has had its scary times as well as rewarding times.  The rewards have far outweighed the scary!

Now, with my voice in place, I have allowed myself to become more open to being genuine and allowing my writing into a more personal space.  It feels good.  It in fact, feels liberating.

Writing is hard.

Being real in words is more difficult.

Being transparent is transcendent. 

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Self-Study

I tried something interesting this week.  While teaching, I looked for me in my students.  I looked for the student that was me when I was in 7th grade.  I am extremely reflective and I thought it would be fun and interesting to do a silent study on the student that is most like me (according to my perspective and memory as possible).

When I figured out which of my 171 students was me, I paid very close attention to the ways in which this student learns, behaves, emotes, and work ethic.

This is only the first week.  This is an ongoing experiment.  And...Observation.

This is what I am noticing so far:

This student cares about grades.

This student looks for approval.

This student prefers silent work.

This student prefers independent work.

What do I hope to do with this research?

I want to know my learners better.  If I can know them as I know myself, and pay attention to differences, I should be able to best reach all of my learners.

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Influencing Growth

During this time of year, I start reflecting on what I did well and what I might change for next year.  I look around my classroom and reflectively assess myself through my students.

I am always amazed at this time of year.  My students change so much during the course of a year.  One of the most interesting part about teaching Middle School.  The students change physically, emotionally, academically, and socially.  They are different beings by the end of the year.

My 7th graders no longer look or act like little kids, the little kids that started the year.

My 8th graders look like young adults.  They look and act more mature, ready to take on the world.

The amazing part is that I get to witness this every year.

The even more amazing part of this is that I get to be a part of their growth.  I get to know them while this process is in full swing.

This is also quite a responsibility.  We, as teachers, cannot take for granted the massive and essential impact that we have on these growing humans.  We are their influence.  Sometimes, there most significant influence. We must take this seriously, but we also must enjoy it.

It is who we are.  We are educators.  We are teachers.

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Being a Teacher

A few days ago, I got an email from a past student.  She explained that she is finishing her student teaching and is excited to begin her teaching career.

I had not heard from her in a few years.  I had no idea that she wanted to be a teacher.  When I asked her how and why she decided to go into teaching, she responded,

"You were such an amazing teacher. You showed joy in what you did everyday.  I had forgotten that this was a job for you when I had you.  You made it seem like this was just you doing what it is that you were meant to do.  You cared for your students like no other teacher that I have ever had. You taught us about social studies in a way that made us look at the world more critically.  Most importantly, you taught us about life.  You taught us to accept ourselves and be happy with who we were."

Needless to say, this was another day of happy tears and appreciation.

Being a teacher isn't a job.  Being a teacher allows us to be so much for and to our students.  I make joke around a lot in class, but I take my intentions very seriously!

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Commitment of Magic

Sometimes...sometimes...

A student does or says something that makes you tear up.

Out of the blue, today, I had a student complement me at just the right time, in just the right way...

That made me tear up, and feel like I was exactly where I needed to be.

I love that teaching gives us those little surprises.  The gratification is so full.  Being a teacher is so much more than a vocation or job.  It is more than a career or even a calling.  Teaching is a commitment of magic.

Today, and most days...I am proud to be a teacher.

During this time as many of us, teachers, are waiting not-so patiently for Spring Break-

Know that every minute being a teacher is magic...even if you are not watching for it, it is there!!!

Be Mindful.

Peace.


Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Happy Mind

Today, we had a Teachers Institute Day due to it being a voting day and our schools are polling places.  We had a timely morning meeting with a guest speaker about Toxic Trauma, which I will be writing a lot about in the near future...I am sure!

I am a strong advocate for Social Emotional Learning, or SEL.  Especially in Middle School.

The speaker played a clip from a video where a young elementary students said that having SEL made her brain happy...and that allowed her to want to learn.

This made me smile and sad at the same time.

We spend so much time teaching to tests, standards, curriculum, frameworks, programs, Lexile, and every other data point that the most important data point is often ignored...the Whole Child.

I will admit, happily, that I innately focus on the wellness and care of my kids.  My students are listened to, cared for, and are at the center of my attention.  But still, I am leaning more and more towards the "stuff" than the student.  '

I am not okay with this.

It is time to go back to the authentic caring me.  Once that is in place...I strongly believe learning will happen naturally in my classes. We have to start with the heart before we can reach the mind.

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Defining Success

As I was doing some writing earlier today, I came upon a question for myself.

How do my students define success?

More importantly, how do they define their own success?

As teachers, we traditionally tell or demonstrate what success looks like at each grade level.  We set bars.  We set Lexile levels.  We set grades.  We set cut scores.  We define success. (for our class)

But what does success look like or feel like for my students?

I recall a conversation that I had with a parent of one of my students last month.  She told me that success for her son is straight Cs in all of his classes.  Even though he is in the 7th grade, she wants him to hold on to his youth.  She would rather he play and enjoy life than spend time getting good grades.  For now- his mother has defined what success is for him.

Most of my 7th and 8th grade students actually do define what success is for them.

My honors students have high standards.  They push themselves on all data points to be the best that they can be.  They are well aware of where they are and what it means.

My students that have various struggles with learning wait for their teachers to assign the definition of success.

I know that I am early for next school year, but I have plans on being more intentional about having my students consider what success is for them.  Maybe within this reflection, some of my students will make intentional choices of their own...towards success.

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Looking Back

Those of you who know me, or read anything that I write know that I love to dwell in the "what-ifs" of life.  As I was writing earlier today, I caught myself in a What-if.

What if we, as teachers, had the capacity to bring such clarity to our students that they could see themselves as older people?  With the reflective sense to look back and see the significance of their earlier education...

Our students would be able to see the value in what they were doing in school now.  They would see and feel the importance of the academic side of school as well as the personal growth side.

Our students would make decisions based on what they wanted to change or make better in life.

I am sure that anyone who thinks about this, as I am doing, would be able to reflect on their school years and come up with a list of things that they would do differently.  For me, there is a grocery list of things.  I am talking groceries for a year.

But, in retrospect, would I really want to change anything?

I like the way that my life turned out.

I made changes along the way to make me who I am today.

I am still making changes everyday.

So maybe this lesson for myself is that is there is no reason for this what-if.  We are who we are. Make the best of it...change what you want...Be who you want.

Or...

What-if?

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Rushing Life

About the time that Spring Break approaches each year, I have a tradition that I have with my 8th grade students.  I talk to them about how many tend to rush through life.

Below is a version of my talk and student responses.

How many of you can't wait until Spring Break?

Most hands go up.

How many of you can't wait until the Great America Fun Park trip?

All hands go up.

How many of you can't wait until you graduate?

Most hands go up.

How many of you can't wait until summer?

All hands go up.

How many of you can't wait until you start High School?

Some hands go up.

I have noticed many of you using the term "I can't wait" lately.  You have been using it as if the time you have between important and fun events doesn't count.  If we live our life for the "I can't waits" we never live the special moments in-between.

I like the term, "I am looking forward to" doing something.  It expresses my excitement and anticipation for the coming even, but...I can wait.  I can enjoy the anticipation.

How many of you have really looked forwaard to going on a vacation.  You day dreamed about it, you packed early, you talked to others about it...the anticipation was exciting.  Then... you went on vacation.  It was nice enough.  Maybe didn't live up to expectations.  And, on the way home from the vacation, you found yourself lost in the next, "I can't wait until?"

Most of you.

Live life looking forward while enjoying the now.  You don't want to rush an already short life.

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Teacher's Instinct

Teachers really need to trust their gut instinct.  That is actually what I am telling myself today about me.

A few days ago, I had an issue with a student in which a discipline referral was needed.  I felt terrible about writing the referral even though it was very much called for.

The results-

The student wrote me a long apology letter explaining how sorry she was and she didn't mean to put me in the position to write her up.  She also went into detail, explaining that she now recognizes the changes in herself lately and she is working to change them.  Things have been positive and wonderful since.

The parent wrote me a very positive and supportive letter as well.

So...

Maybe I was too hard on myself.

Maybe I should have trusted my gut, knowing that I was doing the right thing.

Maybe my instincts are right on and I need to trust them.

Regardless-

Lesson learned for both me and my student.

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Mom's Inspiration

I like to seek inspiration from many places.  Inspiration, to me, is a guide to push myself towards life.

Today, I take my inspiration from my mother.  She passed away over 8-years ago.  Today was her birthday. 

My mother had interesting ways of motivating me.  Nothing traditional at all.  Maybe, even bordering on judgmental. Regardless what one might call it, it worked.  Her ways gave me what I needed.  They pushed me.  They made me think.  They caused reflection.  They caused movement.

I miss my mom everyday.  I still, however, hear her inspirations through the voices and offerings of others.  She still can find a way to channel her inspirational gifts to me...in some weird ways.

Birds.

Kids.

Friends.

Facebook memes.

The list can go on and on.

Thanks mom, for always being here for me.  I miss you.  I love you.


Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Awakening Sunshine

A Bad Case of the Februarys.

Cabin Fever.

Getting Stir Crazy.

About to Explode.

Case of the Gloomies.

These are the terms that I have heard in the past week explaining how much students and teachers are needing a break- Spring Break.

The interesting thing that I have noticed is that when the sun is shining and people do not have to wear their BIG COATS, there is a ray of Sunshine...literally and figuratively.

Students and staff have a bounce in their step, a smile and their face, and a sense of relaxation that is proof that those earlier mentioned ailments are leaving soon. It is wonderful!  Spring Break is great, but I find the weeks leading to the break kind of ease us all into the enjoyment of the time off a little bit more.  We can appreciate the break because we have shaken off a little bit of the winter before hand.  I would hate to think that my Spring Break is just spent recovering from a long and stress-ridden winter. I want to be ready for the time, fresh air, and relaxation.

Just like anything we have to look forward to...it is my philosophy that when we spend a little time with anticipation and appreciation, we can turn the time we have into well-spent moments.

In the weeks to come before your break...enjoy the baby-steps towards the destination.

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Giving Consequences Due

I wrote a discipline referral to the dean's office today. I hate writing these. I do not usually let things get to the pint of consequences such as detentions, etc.  This was my 14th referral in 17 years...and it hurts.

The students blatantly defied my in front of her peers. She has not been herself lately and has slipping academically.  I truly think this might be hurting or bothering me more than it is bothering her.  I had no choice.

I like to deal with things immediately and directly with students.  Usually, I don't even need to get parents involved.  My students respect me, and I respect them.

But this time, this student needed to be woken up to where she was headed.  After reflecting with the Dean, I came to the conclusion that not writing the referral was worse than writing it.  Sometimes students truly need to be stopped in their tracks  so they can reflect on the negative choices that they are in the middle of...

I know this student will be angry with me for a while.  I know this will hurt me as well, for a while.

Yes...I am a softy.  No, I do not like to be taken advantage of.  Yes, I care about my students. Yes, I am willing to show I care by giving the consequences deserved.

It still hurts.

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Painful Silence

When giving long tests in my class, I am very vigilant, going around and making sure everyone has what they need.  After that, I feel like I am pestering my students.  The last thing that I want to be is a distraction. 

The reality is…I get bored.

I am so used to a not-so quiet class.  I thrive on student interaction.  Instead, on long test days, I am bound to my desk, looking for grading or sorting that has to be done.  I am met by the symphony of sniffles around the class.  It is all too un-nerving for me.  I need the dance of learning.

When it comes to assessments that I write, they are often very different from these long-silent tests. Very often, there is some type of component where students share, or even, the assessment is done in pairs or small groups.

I guess I am not one of those teachers who appreciate silence in the classroom. My students don’t sit in rows, they sit in table groups. We do pair work daily. Students often have “out of their seats” work.  Students are reflecting and debating, comparing and contrasting, conferencing and guiding-all out of their assigned seats.

The movement, when students are in charge of their own learning is NOT quiet. It is invigorating!  It is exciting!  When this is the case, you can feel and hear the learning happening.

So, today I will suffer through the silence.  Tomorrow, I will enjoy the learning.

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy

@LevineWrites

Reflecting on Self

As the school year approaches Spring Break, I typically catch myself in the in-between.  I am appreciative of the students that I have watched grow and work so diligently.  I am impressed with their work ethic.  I am proud with their preparedness for National Testing.  I enjoy who they have become.

Meanwhile...

I am thinking about goals for next year.  I am thinking about those students that I know as 6th graders and who they will be as 7th graders.  I am reflecting on what changes I might make in my classroom.  I also reflect on my successes and mis-steps which will determine where I will take my students next year.

What a luxury to have...as a teacher.

What I have found throughout my years as a teacher, and maybe other vocations...is that reflection creates growth.

Reflection allows us to be real with ourselves. It allows us to take a real look in the mirror and note who we are and what we want. It allows us to critique our actions and beliefs as well as to assess our future paths.

I have found that when students are reflective, they have more success.  Some middle school students are ready for this in their lives and others, less mature, are not.  I wish I was able to help students through the process for growth.  I am working on it...

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Becoming Aware

I have been reading a lot lately about students mirroring the attitude of their teachers.  In a teaching world or learning world where there are increased and new stressors on teachers, this makes for a lot of stressed kids.

Teachers are, on top of the regular stressors of standards, tests, and evaluations,...having to deal with the safety of our students.  This is new and confusing.  This makes the teaching environment feel very different.

How can we, as teachers, make sure that we are not giving out stress to our students through our attitudes or facial expression?

My students read me.  I cannot hide my stress, anger, or frustration.  They know when I am having a rough day.  They come up to me and ask me if I am okay.  Some days, they come out and ask me to smile.  It makes them feel better.  It makes them feel safer.  It makes them feel happier.  It relieves their stress.

Although I cannot hide my stress or emotions, I can become more aware of them and do something about them in the moment.  I am too real to lie.  Even if I tried, my kids would see right through the lie.

If I can stay aware of my feelings, I can stay aware of the vibe that I am giving to my students.  It is that important!

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Transitions and Change

The transition from middle school to high school can be hard on kids for many reasons.  I have seen many students lose long-term relationships with peers through the years.

Today, one of my students was sobbing in class.  She is an 8th grade student that I have known for years.  I have seen both of them change in varying directions this year and the changes finally reached the point where it became obvious to each of the girls.

They argued.  They blamed each other for changing.  They blamed other people.  They expressed hurt.  They told each other that they were done with each other.  They each went their own ways and sought comfort from friends.  One ultimately sought isolation.  One sought the audience of others to side with them in bashing the other girl.

This transition is rough.  I really don't like that it happens, but it happens and there is not much I can do about it.  For some, it happens in 8th grade. For many it happens in 9th.  Being honest, this transition is rough on me...maybe I am too empathic.

I have found that all I can do or be is there for those going through this.  There are no explanations that I can offer to soften this movement.  I can only be there for my students...care...listen...and offer a smile.

Being a teacher carries so many roles.

Sometimes it means having your heart break for your students.

It always means caring for them.

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

A Middle School Teacher

I had a chance to talk to a pre-service teacher in our building today.  She was telling me her aspirations, what she would really like to teach, and her motivations.

When I asked her why Middle School wasn't on her list, she looked at me very crookedly.

It's funny.  I have found through the years that there are two types of teachers in the world...my world anyways.

Those who love teaching middle school as if they were made to do it....AND...those that wouldn't teach middle school for tons of money.

Middle School students are so varied.  Their maturity levels, their height, their anxieties, their social lives, their emotional states...they are all over the place.  The students behaviors and emotions change with the wind.

As a middle teacher- you have to be extra.  Extra flexible, extra patient, extra resilient, extra caring...extra everything.  Middle School kids can and will need it all.

I wouldn't trade being a middle school teacher for anything either.  I could not see myself in elementary or high school. Just doesn't fit.  We need to be where we fit.  I am lucky to have found my fit.

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Student Bathroom Schedule

One of the untold stories of being a student is the bathroom schedule.  In our school, students get a certain amount of bathroom passes each quarter in which they use to go to the bathroom, visit the library or nurse, or go to the front office.

One of my students ran out of bathroom passes today. Maybe for the year?

I have him in my last class of the day.  He is a great honors student. He is very responsible.

This student has used the bathroom at the beginning of my class for most of the year.  He is quick and quiet about it.  As he left my class today he said, "I have no idea what to do from this point on.  My body has become accustomed to moving my bowels at this time every day. I have a schedule.  My body is not into negotiating and I am not sure how it will respond to the changes."

I assured him that we could work something out.  I don't want him to explode or worse, have an accident.

Most work environments allow for bathroom breaks as we need them.  Teachers and students alike have to train their bodies to work on a bell schedule and also, take into account the time that we are closest to the bathroom. (My room is across from the student bathrooms)

A not-so-known fact:  Teachers have to train themselves, as do students, after the long summer break.  Each new year, we have to figure out the best times to use the bathroom and train our bodies.

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Resilient Students

So... I am back from a 3-day trip with 21-8th graders to Washington, DC.  It normally takes me about 2-weeks to recuperate from this trip.

We walked about 23 miles on the trip.  Yes, most of it was up hill.  We saw upwards of 22 sites, monuments, memorials, and museums.

I am beat.

With all of that walking, yes-that takes its toll. But the responsibility that it takes is what wears me down.  I worry about the kids and their welfare 24/7.

Well, this year...we had an incident.  We were within 100 feet of a shooting in front of the White House.  We later realized that it was a suicide.  It was surreal.  The kids saw the body drop to the ground. The mass running from the shooting felt like it was from a movie. Scary.

Some kids were crying. Some were confused.  Some were scared. And...we all were in disbelief that such a thing just happened.

After some talking, we moved on.  We went back to our busy schedule and learned, had some fun, and laughed.

Kids are resilient.  They are amazing.  And...they are starting to get too used to the violent world that we live in. ( I will talk more about this in another post)

I am glad we are back. We are safe.  We are smarter. We are tired. We will forever remember being together when this happened.

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Those who Can't

I ran into a past student that is going into her student teaching soon.  Talking to people at this stage of the game is kind of weird and maybe stressful for both parties.

I want to be real with her as she talks about her textbook methods from her schooling.  I really don't want to break down her idealism.  I also don't want her to be blindsided.  It is such a tough balance.

Unfortunately, I have seen and mentored several teachers that have made an incorrect choice in their vocation by becoming a teacher and for several reasons...do not last in the profession.  Sometimes this takes a few years, sacrificing student growth along the way.

Teaching is NOT for everyone.

Not everyone can teach or should teach.

I cannot stand the saying, "Those who can't, teach" 

It should be- "Those who can't teach, ..."

One thing is for sure- there is much more quality PD available than every for young teachers.  I think Twitter Chats have become the new gateway into the realities of the teaching world.

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Almost Spring

As the weather gets nicer in the Suburbs of Chicago, I find myself feeling a new energy.  It is that Pre-Spring feeling that I have been getting this time of year for now 40 years.  It is a time of hope, promise, and energy.  It is a time of possibilities.  It is a time that I get enthusiastic about getting things done it life.  Around the House.  All over.

There is something about this time of year for me.  It certainly would not be the same if I lived in an area with static weather...I need seasons to experience this joy.

My Plans, although they may sound like work to others, are what my dreams are made of...

Things like:

* Bring things to Good Will
* Clean the Basement
* Clean the Garage
* Paint the Garage Floor
* Clean the yard and make it fun again

The list is long.  It is organized.  And it is waiting for the go-ahead to get started.

How does this fit my teaching life?

It recharges me.  It is a diversion to clear my mind.  It gives me peace and mindful energy to be better in the classroom. It gives me focus.

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine
@LevineWrites

More than a Teacher

I am often asked about my hobbies.  "What do you do when you are not at school?"

The reality is...for the most part, I do school.  I do research, I write, I plan, I do PD, I read, I create, I prepare things, I think and consider ideas about education...

It the background... I built simple furniture, brew beer (mostly Ginger Brew right now), Go to Chicago Fire Games (Soccer or world Football is the only sport I have followed for many many years.  I relax, I like camp fires, I like doing outdoors things.  I used to fish a lot...gave all of my gear to a past student who became obsessed with it.

I like to clean, organize, and purge things.

I like helping with Garage Sales.

I like helping others clean their garages and yards.

Okay- I may like to clean things- a lot. But I practice mindfulness while I clean so it is very therapeutic for me...rejuvenating.

So-

I think as intentional as I am about teaching...maybe it is time to become more intentional about me time?

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Experiencing Life

Tonight, I embark on my 15 school trip to Washington, D.C. with several dozen 8th grade students.  This is the type of trip that most, if not all, student remember their entire lives.

They remember the friendships made or solidified during the trip. Some remember it as their first ride in an airplane, or first time away from their parents.

Most remember the Holocaust Museum and the feelings that they left with.  New travelers remember the incredible Smithsonian for African American Culture which opened last year.

I remember the sites quite well.  I remember some of the guides and driver.  What I remember most are the students. Their reactions to things that they see and experience.  But most of all, I remember the ways in which they took care of each other...watching out for each other on the trip. It has always been amazing.

Tonight, will be my last trip.

We all get to that point where age or health becomes a bit of a hinderance.  The 12-miles walks each day get to me.  The 3 hours of sleep a night takes its toll on me.  The being solely and completely responsible for 25-45 human lives is taxing.

It is time.

Yes, I will miss it.  I will make the most of my last trip. I will not be watching the sites this time.  I will be watching the faces of the students.

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine
@LevineWrites

Clarity

"Wow, I get it now!  I haven't really understood how these two things were connected, but now it makes so much sense!"

Teachers live for this moment.  I live for these moments in my classroom. 

When students are struggling through their learning and there is a masterful moment of clarity, it is as if the fog cleared and now life makes sense.

When my student said this out loud today, some students said, "Wait, explain it to me."

Others, of course, said, "Duh."

When students have this moment of clarity and connection, it truly fosters an increase in thirst to learn.  They want that feeling again.  They want more of it to make sense of the sludge that they have been walking through.

If only there was a way to bottle it.  More so...if only there was a way for students to truly share that felt moment of clarity.

I am now on a mission.  I want more of my students to experience this...AND...I want them to be able to share the experience.

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites