Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/939681
or her behavior, and the element of public shaming made me uncomfortable. When I walked into my classroom on the first day after winter break, I took it down. In January, my students settled back i n t o s c h o o l r o u t i n e s , a n d I h e l d my breath in the hopes that all would con- tinue to go smoothly. And it did. Secret a d m i re r s c o n t i n u e d t h r o u g h o u t t h e year. The kids didn't seem to tire of it, and the behavior chart never went back up. It was like a switch had been flicked in my cl assro om and th e unpl easant int er p ers onal b ehav ior b etween stu- dents declined considerably. Our community felt good. At the time, I didn't know why this activity worked so well, but I was thrilled to be avoiding many of the classroom management chal- lenges that my new-teacher colleagues were dealing with. A shift toward the positive Some years later, I learned why the secret admirers activity worked: We focused on strengths, assets or bright spots. This is an extensively researched approach in psycholog y, organizational change managem ent and n euroscience. And researchers in all those fields agree that focusing on the positive not only feels good, but works when you're trying to change or want others to change. Whether you try this with toddlers or teens, or even adult learners, know that some may resist at first, but as with any activity or teaching strategy we give a go, keep at it, ref lect after, and modify if necessary. As you ref lect on how this year has been going and how you might want to start next year, consider opportunities to focus on bright spots — in yourself, in your students and in your community. Elena A guilar is an author and former Oakland teacher. Excerpted from Onward: Cultivating Emotional Re silienc e in Edu- cators ( Jossey-Bass), available in May. Copyright Edutopia .org; G eorge Lucas Educational Foundation. "Researchers in psychology, organizational change management and neuroscience agree that focusing on the positive not only feels good, but works when you're trying to change or want others to change." 17 F E B R U A R Y / M A R C H 2 018 P FIND YOUR DREAM HOME AND SAVE Provident Credit Union's Mortgage Program 1. Relationship pricing credit of the additional $250 off closing costs is based on you having one of the following Provident products: home equity loan/line of credit, auto/boat/RV/motorcycle loan, checking with direct deposit, or certificate/IRA. 2. Single family/owner-occupied homes and second homes in California only. Other restrictions may apply. Membership required. Subject to final approval. Pre-approval and closing guarantees are based on a preliminary review of borrower's credit information only and is not a commitment to lend. The closing guarantee is subject to verification of the information submitted on borrower's application, in addition to borrower's property eligibility. Fraudulent or purposely misleading information provided by borrower will invalidate the guarantee. NMLS #412725 © 7/17 PCU • Exclusive .125% mortgage rate discount for CTA members • $100 discount on a standard mortgage loan for CTA members • Receive $250 towards closing costs from Provident Credit Union 1 • Exclusive Movable ® Mortgage 2 • Experienced and knowledgeable Provident Mortgage Consultants to guide you • Power Funding 10-Day Guarantee (800) 632-4600 providentcu.org/cta Endorsed by: ENROLL IN ONLINE BANKING TO RECEIVE PAYMENT ALERTS, CHECK YOUR BALANCE, TRANSFER FUNDS, AND PAY YOUR MORTGAGE LOAN. STEP 3: Find your dream home and SAVE! STEP 1: Get pre-approved for a Provident mortgage loan. Three ways to apply: 1. Call (800) 632-4600 2. Visit providentcu.org/cta 3. Visit your local branch STEP 2: Connect with an experienced Provident Mortgage Consultant by visiting providentcu.org.