Welcome to Episode 6 of my summer video series—Imperfect and Unfinished: Stories for Reflection and Teacher Renewal
Hey Mr. Orton. I just talked to Dr. P, and he said he won’t be able to finalize the grades until noon tomorrow. And I can have an extension, if you’re willing to offer it. He says you don’t have to. And I get it Mr. O, I’m the one who put myself in this position. I don’t deserve another chance.
Rudy, a former student of mine
Where we’ve been…
In Episode 5, I finished my math story by talking about my favorite math teacher—Mr. Bosman. I shared what I learned from him and how he impacted me, not just as a math student, but as a math teacher. I invite you (and your colleagues) to share your responses to the following questions: What did your favorite math teacher teach you about good math teaching?
Where we’re going…
What would you do in my position with Rudy—and why?
In this episode, I share the entire Rudy Story—a story about a time in my career when I was most divided, most troubled as a high school math teacher. I share this story because the moments that divide us are moments to lean in to the discomfort so we can learn how to be more whole.
In the reflection activity for this episode, I invite you (and your colleagues) to treat this story as a window and talk about about what you see.
- What would you have done in my position with Rudy? More importantly, what is your why? What are your reasons? What matters to you here?
- And what do you make of Rudy’s words? I’m the one who put myself in this position. I don’t deserve another chance. Does that ring true for you? Or does something in you push back on what he’s saying?
See you down the road!
Share your story with us. Here’s how!
I hope the stories and activities in these videos help us create communities of belonging and grace—the type of relationships we need as imperfect and unfinished teachers. And I’m inviting you to share your story with us and the people you work with.
- Reach out to a colleague. Send them a link to Episode 1. Tell them what your experience has been like and invite them on the journey with us.
- Share your experience with us in the comments section of this blog post. And perhaps take a moment to reply to a comment that’s been written.
- Join us in our Facebook Group: The Imperfect and Unfinished Math Teacher. It’s not just for math teachers. If you’re enjoying these videos, come on over and find us there.
- Follow me on Twitter (@mathgeek76) and let’s start a conversation. We’re using #ImperfectUnfinished.
- Send me an email at chase@undercovercalculus.com. You’re not alone. I’ll geek out with you.
