Start with a Question

How many times do I need to learn this lesson? How many times have I left a meeting wondering where I went wrong, only to realize if I would have started with a question I would have been much better off? Too many. That is the answer.

My wise colleague, Julie, taught me this phrase. She always considers how she can start with a question, whether in conversations with students, colleagues, or parents. As Julie and I have discussed this idea over the years, we have come to recognize that starting with a question creates an inviting atmosphere and an opportunity for dialogue. I believe in this idea so much, it is the first line in my Manifesto on Teaching. Starting with a genuine, thoughtful question can help you to not get too stuck in your assumptions. As the stoic philosopher Epictetus said, “We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.” Listening is key, and starting with a question can help.

Last school year, I left a meeting feeling like I had been harsh and not understanding of a colleague. I was retracing the conversation to figure out what went wrong. As I remembered how the meeting started, I realized that I had started by jumping in with my own idea. I came across as not recognizing the good work my colleague was already doing. Instead of being helpful, I came across as a know-it-all. Needless to say, the tone I had then set for the meeting was less than ideal. As I reflected, I realized that if I would have started with a question the entire conversation would have felt differently.

Even starting class with a question can help draw students in. My classes start each day with Bell Work. I have a question posted on the board and the students respond to it for the first few minutes of class. At its best bell work can draw students in, help ensure a smooth transition to class, and provide a jumping off point for the lesson. (At its worst, bell work can be a wasted of time that feels like a busy work task that students despise. More on that in a future post!) Starting with a question honors our students perspectives and gives a space for student voice.

I have a feeling this lesson is one I will continue to learn. It can be hard to not jump right in with your own voice. But, over and over I remember, starting with a question is a great plan. When do you need to remember to start with a question?

Talking Manifestos with Gretchen Rubin

One of my favorite authors, Gretchen Rubin, loves to share about manifestos. A manifesto is a statement to detail one’s beliefs on a topic, such as marriage or your profession. Gretchen (we are not actually friends on a first name basis, but I’m such a huge fan I feel like I actually know her) has written a happiness manifesto, a habits manifesto, and even a podcasting manifesto.

When her podcast was doing a live show in Seattle, where I live, I was over the moon! I quickly bought tickets along with my sister and good friend. As part of the podcast they invited listeners to submit their own manifestos. As a dedicated fan, I took this opportunity to write a manifesto on teaching. I emailed it in, got a thank you from Gretchen, and then didn’t hear anything else.

on stage with Elizabeth and Gretchen

Fast-forward to an incredibly rainy October night in Seattle. My sister, friend, and I were sitting in Town Hall, after a wonderfully fun dinner, thrilled to be seeing Gretchen and her sister, Elizabeth Craft. As the podcast taping continued, Gretchen introduc ed the idea of manifestos and said they were going to share a couple that listeners had sent in.

All of the sudden I look at the screen and it says “Mrs. McGah’s manifesto on teaching.” My sister screamed in excitement. I was in shock. Gretchen Rubin was calling my name! She asked if Marianne McGah was there and I raised my hand (total teacher move!). They invited me to come up on stage and I sat in a bright red armchair, right next to Elizabeth and Gretchen. I couldn’t not believe it! I was freaking out!

Gretchen invited me to read my manifesto and explain a couple lines. If you want to hear the podcast episode check it out here: Live from Seattle!

It was such an honor to share my manifesto on the podcast. And I was so thankful that Gretchen had inspired me to write it. Putting my core beliefs about teaching into words was a powerful reminder of my vocation as an educator.

So, here it is: Mrs. McGah’s Manifesto on Teaching

  1. Start with a question
  2. Connect before I correct
  3. Whoever is doing the talking is doing the learning
  4. Do not eat free food (unless it is an entire meal)
  5. Develop skills over facts
  6. Technology is a tool
  7. Assume positive intention
  8. Not how smart are you, but how are you smart
  9. It’s not about me, however…
  10. I am a role model in all that I do (whether I feel like it or not)

In the coming blogposts, I will explain in more detail about these statements. Until then, what would you like to write a manifesto on? What statements would you include?

The First Post!!

Hello there! I’m Marianne and I love teaching. I love learning about teaching. I love talking about teaching, and schools, and teachers, and learning. I’m in my 13th year of teaching and am still learning more and more each day.

the hubs and I

For the past 13 years, I have taught in high school religion, including World Religions, Scripture, Morality, Church History, and Social Justice. I also help with student life leading activities such as retreats and community service. I love the combination of working with students both in and out of the classroom. Before I had kids of my own, I coached volleyball for many years! It really brought out my competitive spirit, which is not all that hard to do.

As much as I love teaching, I really do love being a student. Over the years I have earned a Bachelors in Theology, a Masters in Secondary Education, and a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership. Although I am done with formal degrees for the foreseeable future, I still love learning. This past summer I took an online class focused on organizing your digital life and LOVED it! Bringing together the worlds of organization, productivity, and technology was my jam!

In this blog, I intend to share thoughts and ideas about teaching, learning, technology, productivity, and other topics that seem valuable to have in the blogosphere. I am passionate about instruction, collaboration, reflective teaching, leadership, and focusing on engagement. I also love reading research on teaching and seeing the practical implications of that research in classrooms and schools.

In a world of so many blogs, I appreciate you stopping by and spending some time here! Feel free to leave me a comment or question. I’d love to hear from you!