For the past 20+ years my parents have run a small business. They manufacture ground support equipment for the military and commercial airlines. Throughout the years, one thing has always held true when it came to their business. They always do what they believe is best for their small business. They have to. The success of their business is directly linked to their personal success.
I encourage you as teachers to take the same approach with your classroom. Your success as a teachers is linked directly to the success of your students.
This doesn't mean that your students can pass a test, or move on to the next grade level. Let's be honest, for most students, that really isn't that great of an accomplish. Instead, I believe the success of a teacher is found in the character of the students when they leave your classroom. Are they better people for taking your class?
So, how do you treat it like a small business? Have you ever wanted to do something in your classroom or for your students, and other teachers have recommended that you not do that? For example, my first year teaching, I had several students that were struggling with content. I provided study sessions in the morning to try and help them fill in the gaps. However, some of my students did not have the ability to arrive early. So, I decided to sit with a few of them at their table during lunch. We spent a little time studying, but spent most of the time talking, and getting to know them. A few other teachers were not happy. They claimed I made them look bad, because they weren't doing this, and they didn't want to give up their lunch break.
What I was doing was not popular among the teachers. However, it was very popular among the students I was working with, and made a dramatic impact on their classroom experience.
If you are putting kids first, when you walk in the door, it is all about them. I love the other teachers in my building. They are awesome. However, when I walk in my classroom, I am focused on the success of my small business. The success of my students. Don't be afraid to be different, and go against the flow.
I encourage you to treat your classroom like a small business. Block out the negativity around you, and focus on the success of your students. It will have a lasting impact on them, and you!
I am not the only one who sees classrooms a small business. Check out Brian Sutter's article that takes more of a business approach to the topic. You can also follow Brian on Twitter @SmallBizBrian.
As always, thank you for taking the time to read the post. Please take a moment and follow me on twitter, and subscribe to the blog. Also, in the comments below, share ways in which you treat you classroom like a small business.
Have a great day!
D. Barkes