Most Important Skills For A Learning Specialist At California Middle School
Dan, a Learning Specialist, emphasizes the importance of strong "relationships," understanding students' communication styles, and resourcefulness in navigating the challenges of the role. A key takeaway is the value of "humor and joy," illustrated by an anecdote about maintaining a positive outlook despite setbacks, highlighting the importance of daily "refresh" in working with young people.
Communication, Relationship Building, Resourcefulness, Resilience, Problem-Solving
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Dan McCauley
Learning Specialist
California Middle School
New York University, 2017
Relay Graduate School of Education, Masters in the Art of Teaching
Education
Education
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Former Foster Youth, Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School
Video Highlights
1. Building positive relationships with students is crucial for understanding their needs and working effectively with them.
2. Resourcefulness and the ability to collaborate with colleagues are essential for addressing diverse student needs and challenges.
3. Maintaining a positive attitude, a sense of humor, and the ability to let go of setbacks are important for navigating the challenges of the job and creating a supportive learning environment.
Transcript
What skills are most important for a job like yours?
The biggest skill is relationships. Right, relationships are everything. Truly understanding what a student or a person is coming in with, and using that as the foundation for your work together for the year. Being able to listen closely when a student is trying to communicate. When you're young, you don't always have the words.
So either through body language or a certain way a student is trying to tell you something, really be present with them. This allows you to listen closely.
Another thing is resourcefulness. You are not going to know everything. Lean on your superiors and colleagues. People come in with different experiences and knowledge that you might not have.
Whether you're designing your own curriculum or reaching a student you haven't been able to connect with, someone else has. Having the humility to lean on other resources and be interdependent is key. It's not just on you.
I also think humor and joy are important. In my first year of teaching, I was learning behavior management tools that didn't work for me. One day, I asked a student to stop making airplanes, thinking a teacher stare would work.
He didn't stop. Instead, he threw the airplane and then did a "dap." Instead of becoming infuriated, I turned around and laughed. I spoke with colleagues about how hilarious these moments are.
Having a short memory is also crucial. As Ted Lasso says, "Be like a goldfish." There will be moments that don't work out, or when a young person struggles.
When you come in the next day, you just need to be able to hit reset. The most powerful thing for a young person is knowing that each day is a new opportunity. You're not holding grudges and are ready to press refresh.
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