L is for Luck

Luck is an unlikely premise for how students learn. As trained educators, we have a tool bag filled with methodology and research, plans and academic tricks. But here are some ways "luck" does apply in the virtual world.

Lucky, aren't we, to have a teaching job which releases us from hourly bells, slamming lockers, and morning commutes when we are teaching virtually.

Lucky is the student who has a caring, involved team of teachers, parents, advisers, counselors and more, working on the student's behalf. The online venue allows for fast messaging and turnaround to determine how to help the student reach their goals and, most often the teaching environment is rich in tools to identify and diversify.

Online students are lucky to not have fire drills and bomb threats, tornado drills and lockdown practice. We are not threatened by gangs or angry students, taunted about wardrobes, food choices, or how we walk down the hall. The noise and pressure are gone which allows for better focus for everyone.

Lucky is the freedom we have every day to focus on teaching and reaching. We can use our time to connect and individualize as we earn the students' respect. Once they understand our commitment, they too feel lucky.

Lucky is second cousin to providence or destiny. As teachers, you were destined to work together for the good of hundreds and thousands of students. Their eyes are on us throughout our careers and students remember those who affect their lives. For instance, grading is a necessity of our jobs, but we should be proactive and innovative (despite the testing climate we face) in determining a student's depth of understanding, then raise a cheer when we see it evidenced.

Do you believe that luck just happens as its definition implies? Or can someone make their own luck? If you don't believe you have any control, then you become a victim to what surrounds you. The role model students need is an instructor who can make informed decisions and best choices, not something based on luck, and that is the definition of professional.

Reflection: Engage in an academic conversation with a student today. Put down the grade book, pick up the phone or conference microphone, and have a discussion. See what the student teaches you. It will be a very lucky day for you both.