HARRIS, Mich. (WZMQ) – Many Delta and Menominee County students had the day off of school on Friday, allowing their teachers to attend a special professional development seminar.
More than 520 local educators from seven school districts gathered at Bark River-Harris Schools in the morning. Nationally-known speaker Brian Mendler gave a presentation on how to get disengaged students interested in learning.
According to Mendler, discomfort is “the appetizer for growth.” He says that by challenging students, teachers encourage them to strive for success.
“When you’ve got kids in your class that are struggling…how about occasionally putting a pin in whatever you’re doing?” Mendler said to attendees. “Pull this up and look your students in the eyes… and say, ‘Hey, kids, is the work hard? Is it a challenge? Am I pushing you more than any teacher has ever pushed you before?’ When they say, ‘Yeah,’ look at them and say, ‘Good,’ and then teach them this concept.”
After the presentation, attendees discussed Mendler’s message, his book, and ways teachers at various grade levels can have more collaboration among schools.
Bark River-Harris Schools thanks Steve Martin at the Menominee County Intermediate School District for sponsoring and keeping the cost of the event down, allowing so many districts to be able to attend. Bark River-Harris also thanks fellow sponsors the Superior Health Foundation, the Escanaba Kiwanis, the Community Foundation for Delta County, the M&M Area Community Foundation, and the Delta County Youth Assistance Program.
For more information on Brian Mendler, visit brianmendler.com.
