My "Why"

If you ask one of the teachers that I work with why he is a teacher he will always tell you it's because of "180". What does 180 mean? Those are the number of the days per year that we work. He is implying that he is a teacher because of all of the time off we get. But for me I am a teacher because of the kids. I love kids. When I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do for a career I was unclear about the specifics but I knew it was going to be something with kids. When I was a teenager I volunteered at an after school program working with students in grades K-5. I loved every minute of it. Kids are so resilient and fun and they push you to be a better person.

It's hard to explain how I show my love of kids in my classroom. I guess one of the ways I do this is spending time talking to my students. I try to talk to each of my students every day, there is 115 of them this year. Before class, after class, in the hallways, or during work time - it doesn't really matter I am always checking in with them about their lives. I want them to know that I care about who they are as people, not just about their academics.

“It seems to me that the best teachers are the ones who are quietly rebellious.”

Are the best teachers those who are quietly rebellious? I think so. When I think of the best teachers I know I think of one in particular, Shelby Chollett. Shelby was my collaborating teacher when I was a student teacher and is now a trusted colleague and friend. I'll never forget the first time I was in one of "those" meetings. The kind of meeting where people were yelling and upset and I left the meeting feeling discouraged and angry. Shelby looked at me and said "as long as you are always doing what is best for kids then you are always doing the right thing, no matter what they tell you in a meeting".

I'll never forget this moment and this is something I still live by those. Do what's best for kids - always.

Here's a blog I love!

As a middle school teacher I have.... unique students and want to follow people that understand my situation. Musings from the Middle School is a blog that just gets it. Really practical advice for the middle school teacher!

Who to Follow on Twitter

If you are not using twitter to connect with teachers and parents you are missing out! I get so many good ideas from other teachers and use it as a place where I can show off what I am doing in my classroom. I know that you might be thinking "this is just another thing I have to learn" but it is totally worth it. When you make a account the first thing you need to do is find some people to follow. You should follow me, of course, @NikkiBunnell - but here are some of my other favorite people/organizations to follow!

@AbbeyFutrell ‏
@ncte ‏
@KellyGToGo ‏
@TeachingEnglish ‏

The Power of Words (AGAPE Generativity)

On Thursday, January 24th I had the privilege of sitting down with a first year Language Arts Teacher in my building, Maria Frie. It it humorous to me to refer to other teachers as "new teachers" as I am only a second year teacher and there doesn't feel like that much difference between being a first or second year teacher.

When asked why she became a teacher Maria shared some of her experience being involved in 4-H. Maria wasn't just a member of her local 4-H club. She was a state ambassador. Being nominated and selected as a state ambassador is an incredible honor and through this program, Maria developed curriculum for other 4-H leadership members in grades 6-12. When Maria reflects on why she became a teacher she talks about this leadership experience in 4-H. I found this very interesting because when I reflect on why I became a teacher my answer and Maria's answer were very similar. When I was in high school I was involved with an organization called Target Market. Target Market, while not as well known as 4-H, focused on teenage activism against the tobacco industry. I spent my time protesting smokeless tobacco at rodeos, talking with senators at the capital about how the tobacco industry targets teens, and giving school and community presentations about the dangers of cigarettes and other tobacco products. It was through this leadership experience that I knew I wanted to be a teacher.

It's funny because I joined Target Market because I wanted to meet some cute boys from the Twin Cities but it ended up changing the whole course of my life. I found a passion and something to fight against with like minded teenagers. I found the power of my words - and I spend my days now teaching my students the power of their words.