I Believe

The stories we tell ourselves about our students directly affect how we treat them. Positive or generous assumptions can lead us to patient and persistent efforts to support a child in their learning. Negative or grudging assumptions can lead to responses that disregard or belittle a child in our care. Furthermore, our students live up or down to our expectations. In this sectional, we will look at how we reflect on our beliefs to become more effective educators.

Ben Clemons has served as a classroom teacher at Mt. Lebanon Lutheran School and as a principal at Risen Savior Lutheran School, both in Milwaukee, WI as well as a year in China teaching English at Hangzhou Normal University. He is currently serving at Martin Luther College as the Professor of Urban Educational Ministry and as the Academic Dean of Education, and teaches courses on Classroom Management, Urban Educational Ministry, and Responsive Teaching.