Becoming a Better Teacher | High School Teacher Vlog

[@AmandaTeaches]

Speaking of vocab, we actually just got a brand new student to our school who has the most phenomenal set of vocabulary that every time he speaks, he blows the minds of all other kids in the class. I love it because I use him as an example when we go over vocabulary lessons, and they get SO excited to learn even bigger words because they all want to be able to talk like him and match him! hahah it's so awesome!

[@paulrider725]

I'm in a masters program where we were supposed to be doing actual field experience, but it's summer, in the midst of a pandemic, so my professor suggested looking on KZbin for other teachers to base our insights off of. I just found your channel a couple days ago and have been binge watching for several hours at a time. I love what you're doing and how you relate to your students. When you mentioned that moment during February of your first year teaching and that someone mentioned that yours was what a classroom should look like---goosebumps. Just had to say that you're doing it right and wish you were on staff with me. I also loved what you said about basically putting the fear aside and just go for it; having that "Who cares" mindset because you're doing it for the kids. Love it man. You rock, brother. Keep up the great work and being an inspiration to all of us new teachers!

[@richardroyster405]

CJ, you are a tremendous explainer of things! 28 years in the biz for me. 20 years in the classroom teaching freshmen (mostly) and 8 years as a high school associate principal. I want to piggy-back on what you said about the value of online colleagues. I am just beginning to experience the depth of what is online in terms of peer-to-peer interactions and it is great! I've used online resources since the beginning of the internet, but the peer-to-peer interaction is new to me and there is great value in it. I can't recommend it enough for those younger in the profession. Thanks for doing what YOU do! You take risks for the benefit of kids and we just need a lot more of that. #applause

[@hannahharvey3615]

Ok but you’re videos are just so calming to watch....

[@lou7998]

Hi Reynolds, I have an idea to make vocab more fun! I only started teaching one month ago and one of the first things I noticed was how bored my students get by the weekly dictations I have to give them. So I bought mini whiteboards. It changed everything! They even ask for more words after I'm done. Practically speaking, this is how I use them: 1. I teach French (from Dutch), so I'll say a Dutch word and they'll write down the French one. 2. Then everyone has to put their board down on the table. Upside down. 3.Then, in French I say something like "everyone with an 's' in their name put their board up" (I do this because I have 30 kids, and I wouldn't be able to check all of their boards at once [I tried]. It's also a way to keep their attention during the exercise, works very well). 4. I finish by writing the correct answer on the main board. It's so much fun to be leading an activity that they enjoy this much and to see them actually being curious about whether they have guessed the word correctly! I truly recommend it. Many thanks for the content you're putting out by the way. I started watching this summer when I was not a teacher yet, and now that I am, it reaches me on a deeper level. It's a very moving and exciting process to grow as a teacher, and your videos only increase the level of meaningfulness I am experiencing these days.

[@kacicarron9732]

I’ve been debating the age group I’d like to teach, elementary or high school. I’m so happy that you have been making these videos, you’re among the only high school teacher youtuber that has caught my interest. Thank you for that! You’ve helped me confirm that I’d like to teach high school age. Keep up the great work and keep posting!

[@CJReynolds]

Awesome! Why did you make that choice? Like what is it about that age? Just curious. ☺️

[@EmilyofREL]

This is my first full-time year. The teacher I replaced was a very old-school teacher who was well loved for 40 years. I'm much more creative and interactive with my students. I'm clinging to "don't wait to be the teacher you've dreamed of being" and 3 days in so far so good.

[@ashleyh8406]

Hey, I just wanted to say this is my first year teaching, no experience, no student teaching, it's a crazy story but I never would have made this leap without having come across your videos. I'm so excited, I'm teaching 10th grade World History and I just wanted to thank you bc really I never would have made this jump into teaching without you.

[@CJReynolds]

Just about the best compliment I could receive. ☺️ Email me if I can ever help with anything.

[@SuzieANDecho]

I’m a high school English teacher in England and just found your channel - and it’s amazing! I had no idea there was such an awesome online community of teachers. Thank you for sharing your wisdom xx

[@hnickyj83]

Yes! Try to perfect one thing per year, and if the rest is “good” you will be fine. Every year I try to make one thing more awesome than the year before- last year I revamped my entire vocabulary system and this year I am revamping grammar... I know the rest of it is good and will reach the goal. Eventually, it will, hopefully, all be great.

[@CJReynolds]

Exactly! I’d love to know what you did for vocabulary. ☺️

[@KateTheSleepyTeacher]

Fantastic video, CJ! Loved being part of this collaboration with you. I loved your editing but more importantly what you had to say. Congrats on 16k buddy

[@littleliterarythings5625]

I feel like your advice is so spot on. Yesterday my principal walked in on my class doing a history lesson rather than an English lesson (which is what I teach) and I was like oh no she is going to cream me because she is walking in with no context of why we are doing this impromptu history thing, but I just flowed with it because I knew what I was doing was for the good of my students and it all worked out in the end.

[@jennifermorse2803]

Thank you for your great ideas! I learn something every time I watch:) Jen

[@jennifermorse2803]

Not that it matters but the little picture is of my two daughters. My oldest just graduated high school and my younger one is going into fourth grade. I am an older student going to school to become a teacher and I’m so nervous! Thanks for all your great videos! Jen

[@stephaniemay2112]

Love your videos CJ. I’ve learned so much from you, and it has me inspired to be the best teacher I can be. 😁❤️

[@CJReynolds]

Comments do not get better than this. Thanks Steph. ❤️☺️

[@kimberlygoff6117]

Watching/listening to your videos are part of my morning routine! I really appreciate your content.

[@CJReynolds]

Wow I’m really honored, thank you! ☺️

[@kristenbynoe1404]

Recommended reading for vocab: Bringing Words to Life by Beck, McKeown & Kucan. Focus is on robust vocab instruction.

[@Cassthebass11]

I seriously recommend the movie Freedom Writers. I watched in my senior English class and it was engaging and inspiring. The story was so impactful, even for someone that hated English.

[@terrificintk]

CJ- I teach TK in Cali and you teach High School in Philly and our goal for this year is the same! I really want to get more people into my classroom for my babies to meet, talk to, and learn from! I always love your vlogs and crack up at your outtakes. I was laughing at your Willy Wonka references so loud my husband came in to see what I was doing!! 😂 Thanks for what you do for teachers. It matters!!

[@CJReynolds]

Hi Karen! I’m glad someone else thinks they are funny. 😂 I usually am laughing alone. ☺️😂

[@lbernshouse9890]

Your videos are awesome! So glad I found them and thank you for making them. I have so many new ideas for making my classes better.

[@shery1979]

Hi from Turkey! :D Your talks are so empowering! Keep sharing and being generous like this!!! Thank you Reynolds!

[@CJReynolds]

It’s my pleasure!! Man I’d love to come to Turkey! If you ever need a speaker at your school...

[@kristenbynoe1404]

Great advice for newbies. I’ve definitely been in that boat where I’ve taken on too much. Definitely relate to the online presence and the risks that involves. I’ve been debating putting myself out there on KZbin for that reason.

[@CJReynolds]

You could just start by making videos and not sharing them. It gives you a chance to see yourself on camera and then decide.

[@amywilson8824]

I just love you! Nope. I’m a high school teacher and this is gold!

[@CJReynolds]

Thanks Amy! What do you teach?

[@OttoFins]

Thanks for the video, Mr. Reynolds. You've been my inspiration since I started teaching. One questions - how do you know you're doing a good job as a teacher? Looking at achievement statistics and comparing them to that of your colleagues is misleading, because you can have different students ability. Is there something else that you look at at the end of the month/year and say "well yeah, I did a good job!"?

[@ryanprieto6189]

Thank you so much for what you said in this video. Long time fan. As a first year teacher, I have found it so comforting to hear the stories of veterans trials and tribulations. Also the fact that they too are insecure. Thanks Reynolds.

[@l.e.decker8986]

Good luck this year!

[@MelanieCamille]

Maybe have them write and act out a play that includes the vocab words

[@CJReynolds]

Love it!

[@cbory4522]

I have the same reflex as u ;) love teaching and I try to change my style every year. I would like my students come to your class and you do the same But I know that is more possible to do it by webcam

[@AnnMargaret-m3o]

Hi! Can anyone tell what time the livestream usually is? I'm from Poland and I have to tune in, somehow... :)

[@CJReynolds]

Hi Anna! It’s at 5 pm eastern time. Hope you can make it! ☺️

[@AnnMargaret-m3o]

@@CJReynolds thanks! In Poland, it would be 11 pm but I surely can make it ;)

[@FamineAndFeast]

I just became the ISS "teacher" at my new school. I literally have zero training is classroom management or student management. Do you have any tips or videos on those subjects?

[@CJReynolds]

Be consistent. Be authentic. Have fun. ☺️❤️

[@FamineAndFeast]

Thanks man. That helps. :)

[@isra5134]

we start school next week and I teach highschool (grade 11 and 12) with only 2 months experience...I am terrified!😲

[@AndreaSnow21]

Isra, don't let them know you are terrified! You just have to fake until you make it. Your first year is like herding cats while a building is on fire... Except if you know teaching is your gig... It also is one of the most rewarding years! You can do this. Do you have a mentor teacher yet? Find out if you do, and contact him or her immediately!! Good luck.

[@isra5134]

Andrea Snow I joined the school at the end of last year and I struggled to keep the class in order. Knowing that I struggled before makes me more terrified! I really want to know what kind of rewards and consequences will work with highschool students, most of the videos here are for younger kids which I feel my girls will not find cool or interesting. I do have a teacher which I consider as my mentor, I will contact her as soon as we start PD week.

[@AndreaSnow21]

Isra, that makes sense. With my kids, I work really hard to build relationships with them. We have classroom jobs, they pay rent at the end of every month, and they also get paid for doing their jobs. I fine them for things like forgetting their book or talking while I am teaching. The building of the relationships is the biggest bang for your buck though.

[@isra5134]

Andrea Snow thats a really great idea! Inagree with you, once you have the right relationship with them things get easier. Thanks very much for the tips

[@CJReynolds]

Dude! That analogy just made me laugh out loud!! 😂

[@telly_0]

I'm not a teacher but your videos are so great to watch! I'm a black woman who is a user experience researcher and designer. This is a high-income profession that many people don't realize exist, and I wish more people of color worked in it. Black men are especially rare. People in this field typically work at tech companies like Google. Like any profession, the day-to-day work isn't going to be a appealing to everyone, but I think it'd be great to invite a UX researcher or UX designer into your classroom! I'd offer to come myself, but I don't live nearby and want to stay anonymous :-)

[@CJReynolds]

That’s really interesting. I’ll look into it. How did you come about that job?