154: Creativity Lives in the Craft of Writing

Summary

In this conversation, Ken Ehrmann and Gary Whitehead discuss the changes in high school English education, including the impact of technology and online teaching. They also explore the influence of being a poet on teaching and the importance of analyzing poetry with students. Gary shares his experience as the advisor of the school newspaper, discussing its history and transformation, as well as the integration of media platforms in the journalism class. They also touch on the influence of the journalism class on students' future career paths. In this conversation, Gary Whitehead discusses his experiences as a teacher and his impact on his students. He shares how he inspires passion and mentorship, explores different paths for students, and balances teaching with his writing. Gary also provides financial advice for teachers, emphasizes the importance of self-preservation and mental health, and discusses the role of creativity and innovation in teaching. He concludes by sharing ways to continue learning alongside him.

Takeaways

• Technology has significantly changed high school English education, with the Internet and online teaching becoming more prevalent.

• Being a poet can positively impact teaching, as it allows for sharing personal experiences and a deeper understanding of language and literature.

• Analyzing poetry requires attention and multiple readings, but it can be a powerful form of writing to teach and learn.

• School newspapers provide authentic opportunities for students to explore journalism and media and can have a lasting impact on their future career paths. Teachers can inspire students by providing opportunities for them to become passionate about something and by listening to and guiding them.

• Taking a creative writing class can enrich students' lives, even if they pursue other careers.

• Self-preservation and taking care of one's mental health are essential for teachers.

• Creativity is vital in being an effective teacher and can help keep learning enjoyable for both students and teachers.

• Teachers should start investing in retirement plans, such as a 403B, as early as possible.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Upload

00:46 Introducing Gary Whitehead

02:04 Changes in High School English

06:17 Teaching Online

08:30 Adapting to Technology in Education

10:28 Benefits and Challenges of Online Learning

13:33 Influence of Online Teaching on Face-to-Face Instruction

19:41 Impact of Being a Poet on Teaching

25:01 Analyzing Poetry with Students

35:05 The History and Transformation of the School Newspaper

40:24 Integration of Media Platforms in Journalism Class

45:34 Influence of Journalism Class on Students' Future Paths

47:24 Inspiring Passion and Mentorship

49:13 Exploring Different Paths

51:15 Balancing Teaching and Writing

54:35 Making Learning Fun and Purposeful

55:01 Financial Advice for Teachers

57:33 Self-Preservation and Mental Health

59:23 Fostering Creativity and Innovation

01:01:57 Continuing to Learn with Gary

Website: https://www.garyjwhitehead.com/ 

Instagram: @gwhiteheadgeoy

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