We have to determine the barriers students may be facing and why they disengage. What can we do to support and remove barriers? Not only identify barriers for students but staff as well.

• Lack of purpose
• Mindset
• Past experience
• Fear of failure
• Peer pressure
• Motivation

Is the list above for students or staff?

Can it fit both staff and students? I think so! Barriers like those listed can exist at any age. Lack of purpose can be found when we are uncertain of the direction we need to take our lessons if we do not have the background knowledge to comprehend the lesson’s purpose. How can we help when we identify this as a barrier? Reminding them of “why.” Why did you become a teacher? Why do you want to be a _____?

Mindsets are essential in how we approach all aspects of our lives. We have been made more aware of this through others like Carol Dweck. When we are promoting a growth mindset, it benefits all.

Past experiences and failures play into our hesitations into taking risks, chances, or trying something new. As we provide safe working and learning environments, barriers are removed, and opportunities are available to stretch into new areas.

Peer pressure can be positive or negative. Drive peer pressure to become positive by promoting leadership. Turn leadership in your settings into a way to work to be inclusive, collaborative, and engaging. Student leadership is a way to build skills needed to grow and enhance learning. Teacher leadership builds capacity and expands knowledge, focusing on improving everyone.

Motivation drives teaching and learning. As the world fights the fears and realities of the pandemic, education has been hit hard. Humans want to feel validated, appreciated, safe and secure. It is hard to find motivation with so many negatives daily. Thank you to all who are showing up each day! We will do all we can to help provide the best conditions, support, and resources to promote motivation! Positive messages, fewer extras, more acknowledgments, and gratitude!

Every chance you have, empower others to work hard to achieve dreams. Today is a present; tomorrow will be a gift, and there are no exchanges, so make them incredible!

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