How "Saved By The Bell" Taught Me To Be A Great Teacher

[TMC]

https://www.martinsonedu.com/single-...-Great-Teacher

As a child that grew up in the late 80's and early 90's, I was hooked on the hit show "Saved By The Bell". The show was based on 6 students lives lived out at Bayside High School. As much as I enjoyed watching Zach and his friends get in and out of trouble, I didn't realize how much the show would end up shaping my mind as a future educator. Here is a list of three ways that "Saved By The Bell" taught me how to be a great educator:

1) Students Are Limitless In What They Can Achieve

Look at Zach Morris who excelled in the arts (ballet), athletics (star basketball and track player), and he was also a pop superstar. Very few students leave high school with the resume that Zach Morris had when he walked through the doors of Bayside for the last time, but we should ask ourselves why don't they? When students are given opportunities they can achieve heights that are not bound by the perceived limits we given them, but instead to the true heights that their potential has in store for them. Read one of my past blogs on how students are limitless.

2) Cellphones Are A Great Tool For Students To Use

Think about how many times Zach was saved by his Motorola DynaTac. When students use their cellphones appropriately in the classroom, they can launch a classrooms dynamics to the next level. A persons success is not based on their resources, but on their resourcefulness (Learn how to make the most out of what you have). Here are a few suggestions on smart ways to use smartphones in the classroom:

A) Have students peer-assess their classmates’ essays through a Google Form embedded on teacher page, and allow them to view real-time constructive criticism. Afterwards, polish up the spreadsheet and share with students. Believe me, they will be interested.

B) Use a Twitter hashtag to augment the in-class lesson or extend the conversation after class.

C) Create “How-To” guides using apps such as SnapGuide.

3) Build Relationships With Your Students

Think how involved Mr. Belding was in the life of his students. How about the time that he subbed in at the last minute to take the senior class white water rafting! Think about how many times he took to talk with his students about their problems. Take the time to get to know your students and let them know that you care. For some students you might be the only caring adult that they have in their life. As Josh Shipp said, " Every Kid Is One Caring Adult Away From Being A Success Story". Be the one that makes the difference.

In Closing Thank You For Reading and God Bless!

[JO Sweet Heart]

^^^ I love that episode when Mr. Belding takes the kids white water rafting when his brother decided to go and flake out on them at the last minute. What Zack said at the end couldn't have been better.

God bless you always!!!

Holly

[Schmoopie]

Interesting! Great article! And people think that TV shows are mindless!