Preparing for the 21st Century

For a person to succeed in high school, college, career, and life in the 21st century, they must develop 21st century skills.  Skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and collaboration, as well as being creative and innovative are crucial to making it in the real world.  I personally do not feel prepared to adequately teach these skills using 21st century learning methods.  Until starting my master's program, I was not aware of all the learning tools, technologies, and resources available to implement in my classroom.  I am starting to become more equipped with the skills needed to help my students succeed.

The district that I teach in is slowly digging its way out of the 20th century.  Just this year, most classrooms were equipped with projectors and mimio boards (except mine of course).  Our school is currently being wired for wireless capabilities.  (Rumor has it that within the next couple of years, students will be given laptops instead of textbooks.  I am stoked!!)  Without having the technological resources that everyone else has, I have tried to implement lessons that my students will enjoy and will comprehend skills such as problem solving, collaboration, and communication.  I feel my students leave my classroom with a better knowledge of these 21st century skills (just without the 21st century technology).  But, I have reviewed so many resources the past couple of weeks, that I am looking forward to implementing 21st century resources into my lessons.

Understanding my faith has helped me realize my purpose in life...to teach young people ways to prepare them for the future, whether it is in the classroom or on the field.   My philosophy in the classroom as a teacher and on the field as a coach is to teach my students and athletes life skills they will need to be successful.  Because of my desire to make a student or athlete a better person, I know I teach them 21st century skills such as problem solving, communicating, team work, discipline, respect, time management, self-control, and commitment.  The challenge is teaching them life skills without the availability of 21st century technology.  Overall though, I feel that when my students leave my classroom and when my athletes walk off the field for the last time, they develop character and leave a lasting legacy.


"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." ~Philippians 4:13