Uncommon & Uncharted 

By Coach Frank Sagasta

Where Did The Teachers Go...

From No Child Left Behind all the way to every child succeeds, everyone gets a trophy, to The Common Core and everything in between.  Teachers have rolled with decades of education reform.  Yet, in the last 25 years, the U.S. has shown no significant improvement in either math or reading scores.  

Why?

If you’re not a teacher, or work in the field of education in general.  You most certainly have no idea what “Teacher tired” might feel like.  Many of our teachers are tired of the excuses from the top down.  Many of our teachers are tired of behavior issues.  Many of our teachers are overstimulated.  Many of our teachers are frustrated.  Many of our teachers are under appreciated.  Many of our teachers are micromanaged.  Many teachers are over worked (volunteering everywhere for prop point).  Many of our teachers are stressed, depressed, anxious, or angry. 

Why? 

Here’s the question most people at the top ask enjoy sharing, “How can we influence the success rate of students?”, "How can we get our students to by in?" Or “What is the problem with our teachers?”  Here's my flipp'n answer; success demands attention.  This comes from uncommon and uncharted techniques, practices, and methods that other countries have been doing. 

The modern classroom is grappling with a significant shift in student behavior, presenting a complex challenge to traditional educational models. Today's students often face an array of external pressures from constant digital distraction to rising mental health concerns, which can manifest as disengagement, lack of focus, disruptive conduct, or information fatigue syndrome. What is information fatigue syndrome? I am glad you asked, it is digital fatigue, also known as screen fatigue or digital eye strain, which refers to the physical and mental exhaustion that individuals of all ages experience after prolonged use of digital devices, such as computers, smartphones, and tablets. Symptoms of digital fatigue can include eye strain, headaches, neck and shoulder pain, fatigue, and the big one difficulty focusing. This behavioral trend is not going away any-time soon. Especially with big tech who wants more technology in our lives.

So, where do teachers and parents go from here?

I am not the traditional style teacher. I have done my research on cutting edge connectivity learning from different countries. When learning feels passive or irrelevant, students may struggle to find the motivation to participate actively, leading to a breakdown in the critical thinking, connectivity, collaboration and productive environment necessary for effective learning. Addressing these behavioral issues requires a comprehensive approach that extends beyond punitive measures (BULLSHIT FROM THE TOP) to create a more supportive and responsive educational or learning system. In my professional perspective, integrating well-being or social-emotional learning into the curriculum has helped Finland and Japan.

Why?

Because it can provide students with the tools to manage their emotions (Feelings) and build healthy relationships (Interpersonal skill), thereby fostering a more positive classroom dynamic. Furthermore, schools can enhance student engagement by adopting more interactive teaching methods, such as project-based learning, community-based learning, work-based learning, or collaborative group work that connect academic concepts to real-world applications. By shifting the focus from rigid or rigor discipline to nurturing a culture of empathy and relevance, educators can create an environment where students feel understood and motivated, ultimately leading to improved academic outcomes and personal growth.

So, what does this mean…

Success means nothing in student development, if we don't explore methods that work. If we seat back and do nothing it will cost us our future and it will destroy the fabric of our society. Former President Theodore Roosevelt once said, "To educate a person in mind but not in morals is to educate a menace to society." So, yes, character development should be taught too! That is respect, integrity, kindness, and honesty which are currencies that never lose value. But why implement character development? Because in the end of the day, your reputation (brand) isn’t built on what you have, but on how you make others feel.   

But how does my child or student get those? 

They can develop and enhance skills through classes or mentorships that have training and practice. However, true character qualities such as integrity, resilience, and honesty—is innate and cannot be taught in the same way. Why is this important and saved for the closure... because at some point your children/student will want to get a job some day. And everything I have mentioned in this blog effects the hiring decisions, it’s so important to choose candidates thoughtfully and with care, considering not just their skills, but also their character and value of learning.

With regards,

Coach Frank Sagasta

CTE Business Management & Leadership Instructor 

Social Media Marketing Consultant Owner 

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