Fearlessly Opening the Door

The classroom door is a big part of the teacher's realm. We decorate it. We use the space for a welcome message, a character building message, or an encouraging message.  We stand by it to greet students everyday and we close it once the bell rings. In fact, sometimes the closing of the door is the signal for students to be seated and ready to begin instruction. I hate closing my door. In fact, I tend to leave it open. A former assistant principal even told me once, "I always know when you are teaching, Mrs. Jones. I can hear you clear down in my office!"  I am okay with that. I will sing,chant, rap, sway, make big messes, and dance with my kids, anything to help them learn the content I am trying to teach. I know there are others who feel the same way I do. I do not mind if another teacher peeks in to see what I am doing. Sometimes they do!  They ask me later what I had been doing with my kids, and I share. I wish that I could spend more time peeking in other teachers' classes. With the technology we have now, our doors are open in more ways than one. We can see into the classes of others!  Join a PLN (personal learning network) or VLN (virtual learning network). Get involved with social media as a professional educator. If you are a new teacher, or one who has been at it a while like me, there's a group out there for you!  I love this infographic on An Ethical Island , a blog by Mia MacMeekins. Maybe one of these suggestions will appeal to you.
If you are passionate about teaching and learning, it is even more important that you collaborate with other educators and share the neat activities that are working with your students. We have the opportunity now that teachers didn't have in the past. We must fearlessly open the doors of our classrooms and let others in. Just as importantly, we must open the doors and step out!  Try it. Leave your door open...let them see you dance with your students!