Hey everyone!
Things are getting exciting around here ever since I released my video called “Don’t Be a Teaching Statistic – How I Learned to Love Teaching Again.” Over a hundred people have viewed that free classroom management video, and I hope many more do too!
The response has been overwhelming! I knew, from my time spent as a teacher in our public schools, that many teachers are looking for solutions to their problems in the classroom, and I knew that my system has worked for me for over 12 years. I was excited when I decided to make the switch from teaching in the classroom to teacher training, and the responses I’m getting from my video just seem to reinforce my decision as being the right one.
Michelle C. wrote…
“That was the best 14 minute workshop training I have ever watched! I have dial up and it was worth the 2 hour download. I am checking the website for more. I plan on watching from my friends home who has high speed internet so I can get immediate gratification.”
-Glad to hear it Michelle! I’m working on another free video this weekend that details more about who I am and how I came to be where I am in my teaching career. Stay tuned. I’ll post it here first!
And, coming from the other end of the spectrum, Laura B. said…
“Please forgive me it this sounds a little harsh, but do we really need another classroom management expert? I understand the appeal of getting out of teaching and get paid to tell other teachers how to teach. In fact posters on Teachers.net have even broached that idea as something they would like to do. Others asked them - if you do not have a PhD and years of experience, etc., what would qualify you as an expert? Why would anyone pay you for your advice? In my opinion, much of your powerpoint presentation, excuse me, “video,” is straight out of Wong and other established experts. Now your name is popping up constantly on the chatboards. offering free expert advice along with a plug for your new venture. I am inclined to skip over your posts because they really aren’t telling me anything I don’t know.”
I thought a lot about her response to my free video, and I emailed her back this response:
“Laura,
Thanks for your constructive comments. I’ve never actually read the Wong’s resources, but it’s great to hear that I’m on the right track. I developed this system after receiving a bit of coaching about 12 years ago. It literally saved me as a teacher. If you’re in the schools as much as I am, you can’t help but notice that there are more teachers struggling to manage their classes than those who are accomplished managers. I’ve always felt like I had something to offer these teachers, but due to the political structuring of most schools, I was never in the position to influence other teachers.
Now, I’m about ready for my transition to teacher training and felt like I could make a positive impact on our proud profession. I’m pretty sure I haven’t billed myself as an expert. Rather I like to offer interested people the method that has worked for me over the years. Not only that, it is an easily transferable method of management that will cover a wide variety of situations. I don’t even have any products for sale, yet…I’m working on another video, hopefully a bit more engaging than my last PP. I’ve never made videos before and have a whole new learning curve to struggle with. My eventual goal is to offer online training seminars for new teachers in the counties around where I work (western NC). Most of the one-shot workshops available create a limited impression and don’t affect real change in our teachers. I felt an extended online seminar with teleconferences, videos, and resources would have a much better chance at creating a lasting impact. (Now you’ve done tricked me into revealing my business model!)
Thanks again for your input. I’ve had a pretty positive response from the teachers.net’ers who have contacted me. I hope you don’t think I’m in this just to make a buck. There are tons of different places to make money online. I just feel a sense of loyalty to and responsibility for growing this profession that has treated me so well over the years.
Good luck in all your ventures, both in and out of teaching!
And I hope many more people give me their input on the classroom management video I’ve posted. I plan on upgrading my video presentations due to the great demand I’m experiencing, and I hope my new setup will polish my videos for more teachers to see. Come back here to check when I’ve published my latest tips on how to manage your classroom. Like I told Laura, I’m not an expert, but I know what works for me, and I’ve seen it work for others.
I’m pretty sure it will help you too, if you’re ready for the change.
Until then, be good, and have a great weekend!
Darren B.
