The Essentials That Never Change
I walked into my first classroom full of optimism, armed with a degree, a dream, and an unshakable belief that I was ready to change the world. But nothing could have prepared me for how different that first year would be from the idealized vision I had crafted in my head.
It was 2010. Instagram hadn’t even launched yet, and Facebook was still mainly a college-campus platform. The iPhone 4 had just been released, but many of us still had BlackBerries, Nokias, or the ever-popular Sidekicks. One-to-one devices hadn’t yet reached my campus, and students weren’t distracted by the tech they have today. In a way, we relied on good, engaging, no- or low-tech teaching to keep students engaged. All we had were our personalities, maybe a video or two, whiteboards, textbooks, and handouts.
These were the days we would go to the teacher store—do any teachers out there still remember the August bulletin board prep?—buying timers and caddies, colored pencils, index cards, large sticky notes, and those amazing markers that smelled like fruit. All the supplies we needed for an “interactive” lesson.
Looking back, I often wonder: What if we went back to some of that? What if, now more than ever, that’s exactly what our students need? After 15 years of working in schools, I've come to realize that the core of teaching hasn’t changed. While the pandemic pushed us into a digital space and now we face the rise of generative AI, the truth remains: It's not the flashy tech or the most high-tech classroom that makes a lasting impact—it's the basics.
In a world increasingly dominated by AI and endless digital distractions, there’s something powerful about simplifying our approach. What if we focused less on virtual tours and gadgets and more on real-world connections? What if we encouraged our students to explore their surroundings in a way that activates their creativity and curiosity—by walking through their neighborhood, exploring a local museum, or simply observing the world around them?
The tools may change, but the essence of good teaching and human connection doesn’t. It’s about engaging the hearts, minds, and voices of our students. It’s about helping them develop strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and critical thinking—qualities that will help them thrive in the future.
As I reflect on my journey from that first year to now, I often need to remind myself that we must never forget the core practices that make teaching meaningful. Engaging students, fostering connections, and encouraging creativity will always be at the heart of great education.
Over the years, the foundation of good teaching remains the same. It’s about connecting with students in authentic ways, keeping things simple, and staying true to the timeless essentials of teaching that have always worked—whether we're using a laptop or a notebook. So, as you move forward in your teaching journey, remember to always return to the basics—those simple yet powerful practices that continue to shape the best lessons we’ll ever teach.