Classroom Management - Meet Mr. Hester

Summary

In this inspiring video, Tyler Hester, a dedicated teacher, shares his journey from his educational background to his commitment to teaching. Reflecting on the challenges of managing a classroom, especially with students who are behind academically, he highlights the importance of high expectations, consistency, and follow-through. Despite early struggles in his teaching career, Hester's unwavering dedication to his students' success drives him to create a structured, engaging, and supportive learning environment. His belief that education is a civil rights issue motivates him to fight for his students' opportunities, pushing them toward college and a better future.

Takeaways

• 😀 A diagnostic assessment is given at the start of the school year to understand students' strengths and weaknesses.
• 😀 Many students come in several grade levels behind in reading, and educators must address these gaps to ensure success.
• 😀 Teachers must adopt a mindset of doing whatever it takes to help students succeed, going above and beyond to provide quality education.
• 😀 Tyler Hester, the educator, grew up with great educational opportunities, which motivated him to advocate for equal education for all students.
• 😀 Tyler views education as a civil rights issue and is committed to making a meaningful difference for underserved students.
• 😀 Hester believes that high expectations are essential for student success and enforces these through consistent rules and consequences.
• 😀 One of Hester's methods for teaching is clear communication of expectations, ensuring students understand the consequences of not following them.
• 😀 Students quickly adapt to the high expectations set by Hester, recognizing the value of accountability and structure.
• 😀 Through consistent enforcement of rules, students feel secure in knowing what to expect from their teacher and the classroom environment.
• 😀 Hester aims to make his classroom a place where students not only meet academic goals but also develop the discipline needed to succeed in life and college.
• 😀 Reflecting on his own teaching journey, Hester acknowledges early failures and the growth that came from learning how to effectively manage and engage students.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of the diagnostic assessment given to students at the beginning of the school year?

The diagnostic assessment is used to identify students' strengths and weaknesses, particularly for those who may be several grade levels behind in reading.

How does Tyler Hester ensure that his students meet high academic expectations?

Tyler Hester enforces high academic expectations by maintaining strict classroom rules and providing consistent consequences for not meeting those expectations, such as detention and calls home.

What motivated Tyler Hester to pursue a career in education, despite having opportunities to go into academia?

Tyler Hester was motivated by the belief that education is a civil rights issue, and he wanted to have a direct impact on students' lives by teaching, rather than just studying education in an academic setting.

What is the significance of Tyler Hester's approach to classroom management in the first few days of school?

During the first few days, Hester clearly communicates his high expectations for student behavior, ensuring that students understand the importance of following rules, which helps establish a calm and respectful classroom environment.

How does Hester's classroom discipline differ from what students may have experienced in previous schools?

Students in Hester's classroom experience a stricter environment with clear consequences for misbehavior, which contrasts with their previous schools where discipline may have been less consistent or enforced.

What impact does Hester's strictness have on his students over time?

While students initially find Hester's strictness surprising, they come to appreciate it as they realize that it helps create a structured environment conducive to their learning and academic success.

How does Hester balance strict discipline with making his classes engaging and fun?

Hester incorporates creative activities, like music examples and interactive exercises, into his lessons to make learning enjoyable while still holding students to high standards of behavior and performance.

What was Hester's experience like in his first year of teaching, and how did it influence his teaching style?

In his first year, Hester struggled with classroom management, even losing control of his class at one point. This experience pushed him to focus intensely on improving his student engagement and behavior management strategies.

What role does Hester believe high expectations play in student success?

Hester believes that setting high expectations is crucial because it pushes students to perform at their best and helps them realize their full potential, especially those who may have lacked such expectations in the past.

How does Hester’s philosophy on education reflect his commitment to educational justice?

Hester’s commitment to educational justice is evident in his belief that every student deserves access to a high-quality education, and he works tirelessly to provide that, regardless of students' backgrounds or previous educational experiences.