How To Get CREATIVE In YOUR Classroom - Ask Amy Lemons Anything
Teaching is a profession filled with passion, creativity, and, let’s be honest, plenty of challenges. In this episode of The Flip Side podcast, we welcomed Amy Lemons, a seasoned educator and resource creator, for a candid conversation about the realities of teaching, the importance of professional autonomy, and actionable strategies for thriving in the classroom even when the going gets tough.
Whether you’re a new teacher or a veteran educator, this episode is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and practical advice. Let’s break down the main themes and tips from the episode, offering you in-depth guidance and inspiration for your teaching journey.
1. Building Professional Autonomy in the Classroom
Key Insight:
Amy Lemons emphasizes the importance of trusting teachers as professionals. She shares how her own administrators gave her the freedom to choose materials and instructional methods, as long as she followed the required scope and sequence.
In-Depth Tips:
Advocate for Flexibility:
If you’re in a supportive environment, use your professional judgment to adapt lessons to your students’ needs. Don’t be afraid to slow down or revisit concepts if your class isn’t ready to move on.
Get Involved in Decision-Making:
Amy joined committees that shaped curriculum and scope and sequence. This not only gave her a voice but also helped her understand the “why” behind certain mandates.
Document Your Results:
If you try something new, keep records of student progress and outcomes. This evidence can be powerful when discussing your methods with administrators.
Expert Advice:
“Teachers are professionals who know what’s best for their students. Get involved in the conversation and advocate for what works.” – Amy Lemons
2. Navigating Administrative and Curriculum Pressures
Key Insight:
Not all teachers have the luxury of supportive administrators. Amy offers nuanced advice for those in more restrictive environments.
In-Depth Tips:
Assess Administrative Involvement:
How often is your administrator actually in your classroom? If they’re rarely present, you may have more freedom than you think to try new approaches.
Start Small and Show Impact:
Don’t overhaul everything at once. Implement one change, document its effectiveness, and share the results. This builds trust and demonstrates your professionalism.
Communicate Openly:
If required to use a specific curriculum, try it for a set period. Then, present your findings and suggest modifications based on student needs.
Know When to Move On:
If you’ve tried everything and the environment remains toxic or unsupportive, it may be time to consider a change, whether that’s a new school, grade level, or even a different role in education.
Expert Advice:
“If you’ve tried everything, been open and honest, and it’s still toxic or there’s no trust, it might be time to consider moving schools. Sometimes a change of scenery is necessary for your happiness and your students’ success.” – Amy Lemons
3. Dealing with Toxic Work Environments
Key Insight:
Toxic colleagues and unsupportive environments can drain your energy and passion. Amy and Hope discuss the importance of boundaries and self-care.
In-Depth Tips:
Set Clear Boundaries:
Limit your interactions with negative colleagues. Focus on your students and your own classroom environment.
Seek Support:
Find trusted colleagues, mentors, or online communities where you can share experiences and get advice.
Prioritize Your Well-Being:
If the environment is affecting your mental health, it’s okay to look for other opportunities. Your happiness matters.
Remember: It’s Temporary:
Difficult seasons don’t last forever. Each year brings new students, new colleagues, and new opportunities.
Expert Advice:
“It’s important to set boundaries and focus on what you can control—your teaching and your students. You don’t have to stay in a toxic environment if it’s affecting your well-being.” – Amy Lemons
4. Finding Joy and Motivation in Difficult Seasons
Key Insight:
Teaching can be emotionally taxing, especially when dealing with challenging students, parents, or colleagues. Amy shares her own experiences and offers encouragement for those tough days.
In-Depth Tips:
Acknowledge Your Feelings:
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed or discouraged. Give yourself permission to feel those emotions without judgment.
Embrace the “Let Them” Mindset:
Inspired by Mel Robbins’ Let Them, Amy suggests letting others express themselves even if it’s not ideal and focusing on your own response.
Control What You Can:
You can’t control others, but you can control your actions and mindset. Find small ways to bring joy into your day, whether it’s a favorite lesson, a classroom routine, or a personal treat.
Take It One Day at a Time:
Each day is a fresh start. If today was tough, tomorrow is a new opportunity.
Expert Advice:
“Remember, this isn’t forever. Sometimes when you’re in a tough season, it can feel like this is how life will always be. But it’s just a moment in time. Tomorrow is a new day.” – Amy Lemons
5. Actionable Takeaways for Teachers
Here’s a summary of actionable steps you can take, inspired by Amy Lemons:
Advocate for your professional autonomy. Get involved in curriculum decisions and document your successes.
Start small when implementing change. Show results before scaling up.
Communicate openly with administrators. Use data and student outcomes to support your case.
Set boundaries with toxic colleagues. Focus on your students and your own well-being.
Seek support from trusted peers or online communities
Remember that tough seasons are temporary. Take it one day at a time.
Embrace the “let them” mindset. Focus on your response, not others’ actions.
Prioritize your happiness and mental health. Don’t be afraid to seek new opportunities if needed.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone
Teaching is a journey filled with highs and lows, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. As Amy Lemons and Hope remind us, every challenge is an opportunity for growth, and every day is a chance to start fresh. Whether you’re facing administrative pressures, toxic environments, or just a tough week, remember: you are a professional, you are valued, and you have the power to create positive change for yourself and your students.
Catch you on the flip side!
