Advice from a Veteran Educator

In the final episode of season four, Kayla talks with veteran educator Rob Hillhouse as he reflects on twenty years of wisdom, blunders, and learnings. Rob has accumulated experience as an educator across K-16 and currently serves as Secondary Multilingual Teacher on Special Assignment in the Beaverton School District.

Through sharing some of his stories as an educator, Rob describes lessons learned, such as not assuming we understand where a student or family is coming from, the importance of showing rather than telling a student that you are a trusted person, and the value of mentors for early career educators.

Kayla and Rob also discuss classroom climate, implicit bias, intention vs. impact, and the power of a strengths-based approach. In comparing his experience in Oregon with other places he’s taught, Rob also talks about the value of a strong union in supporting teachers.

 

Resources:

OEA New Educators of Oregon Network

5 things students require to build trusting relationships with their teachers - NWEA

Building Trust with Students—Even Before Class Starts: How to Promote Psychological Safety in Your Classroom - Harvard Business Publishing

Implicit Bias Defined - NEA

5 Ways Strong Educator Unions Help Public Schools - NEA