Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and how it relates to effective teaching.

Reading: 99 Ways to Teach Like the Master, part one, The Essentials

Discussion: Which of the essentials did you most need when you were a student? Which do you find that your students need most? How are you fulfilling that need?

Activities: Make a wish list of things that your students need. Submit it to your boss and being a fund-development program using gofundme.com or indiegogo.com. You’d be surprised how many people are willing to help a teacher in need.

The vocation of teacher and the attributes of an effective teacher

Reading: 99 Ways to Teach Like the Master, parts two and three, His Teaching Philosophy and The Attributes of an Effective Teacher

Discussion: Aside from the salvation of your students’ souls, what other components would you add to your personal teaching philosophy?

Activities: Create your own Catholic Teaching Philosophy. Write down three statements that are non-negotiable when it comes to your teaching Philosophy. Analyze these three points by researching their theological roots. Do this by reviewing the main themes of your philosophy in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. After reading what the Church teaches on these topics, clarify your three non-negotiables to reflect the Church’s stance on those themes.

Example:

Non-negotiable statement: I believe that all students have the right to learn.

The CCC states: “In a very special way, parents share in the office of sanctifying “by leading a conjugal life in the Christian spirit and by seeing to the Christian education of their children.”” (CCC 902).

Clarified non-negotiable statement: I believe that all students have the right to learn and all parents have a say in heir child’s education. I will work with both groups to ensure the salvation of my student.

Share your teaching philosophy with your students, assign them the task of creating their own personal “learning philosophy” with you. Encourage them to reflect on why they are learning as often as you reflect on the fullness of your vocation as teacher.

Recommended Reading: The Case for Catholic Education (Angelico Press)

How to establish a Catholic Classroom Management program

Reading: 99 Ways to Teach Like the Master, the first half of part four, His Teaching Methods, (from Chapter 25. Storytelling to Chapter 45. Failing

Discussion: Most problems are able to be fixed with teacher creativity and constant vigilance, others, on the other hand, cannot be fixed in so short of time as a school year. What types of things can your classroom management style solve and which cannot be solved by your intentional management acts?

Activities: Establish three non-negotiable rules that your students must follow without question. Then, enforce them with consistent and loving consequences when they are disobeyed.

Recommended Reading: The works of St. John the Baptist De La Salle and St. John Bosco

The Teaching Methods of Jesus

Reading: 99 Ways to Teach Like the Master, the second half of part four, His Teaching Methods, (from Chapter 46. Being Consistent to Chapter 71. Interruptions.

Discussion: You’ve read a multitude of teaching strategies that Jesus used while He instructed His people. Which of these stood out most for you? Which of these did you find yourself nodding your head to as you read it because you already have that strategy in your teaching belt? 

Activities: Read the Gospel of Matthew through the eyes of a teacher. Sift through Christ’s actions and decipher His teaching strategies so as to make them your own.

Recommended Reading: The Gospels

The Dark Night of the Soul as compared to Christ’s Passion and Our Vocation as Teachers.

Reading: 99 Ways to Teach Like the Master, part five, His Passion and Our Mission

Discussion: What do you do when the going gets rough? What are your coping mechanisms?

Activities: When the darkness becomes overwhelming, take a day off of teaching and spend at least one hour of your day in front of the Blessed Sacrament in Adoration. Attend daily Mass if you are able, too. Then, do something else that will “fill up your tank” and reinvigorate your passion for teaching.

Recommended Reading: The Courage to Teach by Parker Palmer

Teaching As a Resurrected Soul

Reading: 99 Ways to Teach Like the Master, part six, Our Continuing Education

Discussion Please write a 500-700 word response telling me about your current struggles as an educator and whether or not this course has helped you resolve some of those struggles or not. My goal through this course is to help you become better and to accompany on your journey through the rigorous vocation of teaching. I, along with other members of Signum Dei, will respond to your post after reading it with profound thought so as to provide you with the greatest guidance possible. 

Recommended Reading: Called to Teach and Called to Pray by Mr. Justin McCalin, O.P.