When I look back at my teaching style when I first started teaching, I cringe. I yelled and sent kids to the office. It’s probably not as bad as I remember (at least I hope so!). However, now, I’m both more fun and more strict as a teacher. This may seem like an oxymoron but in fact it is not! Although I still have been known to yell or send someone to the office – just nowhere near as often!

Our teaching style changes over the years and that’s a good thing. We learn and we grow. Often our style changes because students are not thriving in our classroom and we want to help them, so we change. For example, they are literally running away from our classroom and we don’t need the extra cardio workout! Society changes, we change, students change – although not comfortable, change can be good! Teachers who care change.

If you find you need to change, it is always good to look for a teacher who is doing what you want to do and emulate them. Teachers usually want to help each other and are more than willing to give tips and pointers. Be patient. It takes time. Remember, the most important thing is that you care about your students. If this is true, then you are already doing a great job – changing your style is simply improving on a good thing!