“Understand the Assignment – Back to School Reminders for Teachers”

As teachers, the beginning of the new school year always sparks a large mix of emotions. For some, there are feelings of excitement for new beginnings, new students, and a clean slate. Others may feel a bit overwhelmed with the thought of all the new lessons, curriculum, and training that awaits them. For me, the beginning of a school year always brings a bundle of nerves. I wonder if I can manage work/home life balance, and I always brace myself for that handful of students – the ones who will be the most resistant to the structured, harmonious classroom environment I am trying to create. But, no matter what feelings you have as a teacher knee-deep in the rush of the new school year, one simple statement will help you navigate the highs and the lows – understand the assignment. Here are three ways to help you do just that.

1. Remember that data represents actual people. Understanding the assignment means recognizing that data represents students with feelings and faces. They need you to see them for who they are. They need you to find a way to reach them and bring out the best in them. Students sometimes need remediation because of learning gaps and deficits. They sometimes need a hug or a walk for fresh air because life outside these classroom walls has not been kind. They need to be more than test scores – good or not so good. They need to be humans, not numbers.

2. Remember your why. Understanding the assignment means recognizing that each student in your class has been assigned to you for a reason. If they are in your room, they need what you, specifically, have to offer. They are not better off somewhere else nor with some other teacher. You will have some students in your class who are easy to love and others who are not so easy. Both are relying on you for their success. Both sets need you to find a way to help them shine. After the newness of the school year runs out and you have tough days, your “why” is what will get you through. After long days and long hours, think of your why. Think of when you celebrated classroom victories – large and small. Think of the times you turned the class clown into the class helper, so now your classroom is laughing and learning simultaneously. Think of the moments that remind you why you do what you do and find strength from those moments.

3. “It takes a village.” Understanding the assignment means recognizing the need for the collective. Simply put, we are better together. We must collaborate for more than data and find out what works for children in classrooms. Find other teachers that teach (or previously taught) the child that causes you the most stress. Do not gossip. Someone, at some point, has gotten that child to complete assignments successfully. What did they do? Is there any way you could do the same thing in your classroom? Moreover, each teacher at your school has a strength. Find it, and use it to your advantage. Some teachers excel at organization – some with time management – others are amazing at relationships. The more you work as a “village,” the more the students in your “village” thrive.

When you fully understand the assignment, you highlight the strengths of learners, faculty, and staff. You begin to see that your village, strengthened by your specific expertise, is changing the world one student at a time. The uniqueness of each person on your campus is an opportunity to positively impact your classroom, your school, and, ultimately, your community. As your excitement (or nerves) wane and educator realities kick in, “understanding the assignment” can help put your academic world in proper perspective. I encourage you to revisit this mantra the next time you find yourself overwhelmed and deep in the teaching trenches.

Brittany Bonnaffons
2023 Louisiana State Teacher of the Year
St. Charles Parish – Hahnville High School
Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry

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