Good Instruction in 2025

This quote is in an article regarding the start of the year in Stafford schools from an interview with our Superintendent, Dr. Smith:

“As teachers return, Smith is working to help refine what good instructions looks like in the classroom. His message will focus on three points: First is “being clear with kids around what they should be learning, and why.” Second are assessments and making sure that every kid is understanding what is happening before moving on. The third, and final, piece is engagement. “How do I engage [students] in a real, meaningful way, so that they are actively thinking.”

I want to talk for a minute about this. In 2025, education is different than it was 30 years ago. Heck, it’s different than it was 5 years ago.

To his first point, it is critical that students today understand the what and why of the lesson. How often did you, as a student, ask “when will I ever use this?” I remember doing it with Geometry. Now I teach geometry. The days of teaching AT students (giving them information, making them practice, then giving them a test) are long gone. We need to teach it TO them, so they understand that yes, you really will use this. Once they see that, they buy in to the lesson.

To his second point, while every class has a set of standards and a pacing guide to follow to make sure everything is covered, every student needs to show mastery of a concept before moving on. Especially in an SOL class. This is where data-driven instruction is so important. We need our teachers to see where each student shows gaps in understanding by using the data available. Then we need our teachers to work with each student on filling those gaps. This is how we will raise our overall achievement in Stafford County. This is how we will set our students up for success.

The third point. Education simply can’t work if teachers don’t engage students in the learning process. They need to take time to get to know each student. They need to make their school and classroom a place where students are comfortable, a place they want to be. Rules and expectations need to be clear and followed. But inevitably, when a rule gets broken, teachers can’t simply “punish” a student. The justice needs to be restorative, not punitive. The student needs to accept responsibility, take accountability, and understand how it affected the classroom environment. To just suspend a student will only create an angrier student and then that student is disengaged or mentally “done” with the class. And we’ve lost them.

I know what our students need in 2025. I’m in the trenches with them every day.

If I’m elected, I will fiercely advocate for teachers to have professional development in the above areas. The times have changed. Our schools need to change with them.