Rick Joseph likes to walk into the first day of school eager to learn and take on a new year…as a teacher that is! As Michigan Teacher of the Year, Joseph teaches fifth and sixth grade at Birmingham Public Schools, but admits that he never stops learning from his students.
 
“I always try to maintain a disposition of lifelong learner,” Joseph said. “I am never done. I am never there. Everyone always has the opportunity to learn new things from their students and to try cultivating inspiration in the community around them.”
 
Joseph wakes up in the morning knowing he is going to learn and grow, hoping his students have that same attitude. He tries to fill that hunger for learning and cultivate a spirit of creativity.
 
Part of that encouragement comes with accepting mistakes. Pushing students to be the best that they can be, even if that means making a few missteps along the way, is all a part of the learning process.
 
Starting with the first day of a new school year, Joseph tries to make a personal connection with each student and their family. He believes that their educational experiences stem from the relationships they build.
 
“I like to know their likes and dislikes and their learning style,” Joseph said. “The more I get to know them, the better I will be able to influentially teach them. Relationships are essential, not only to inspire, but to recognize, honor and value them for all of the gifts that they have.”
 
But how does he get the students engaged?
 
Joseph kicks off the school year with an interest survey; asking everything from his students’ favorite color and flavor of ice cream to the methods they prefer in learning and getting creative. He also has his students participate in team-building games to get to know each other in a fun environment.
 
One way Joseph inspires his students is by assigning them to co-create a classroom constitution, including ways to live in the shared space harmoniously. Students describe how they want to be treated, how they will treat others and how they can most effectively learn and grow together.
 
On Fridays, the students have a spirit day and wear T-shirts with a design the class created together. The kids reflect on their week and describe instances where they felt empowered or supported. Joseph encourages them to reconnect as a team.
 
But it isn’t just the students Joseph strives to build relationships with. It’s just as important to him to communicate with his students’ parents and get them engaged in their children’s education.
 
Joseph explains to parents that he is always available and has an open door policy. He shares examples from his own experience as a father and works to create the best learning environment for the children.
 
Parents in Joseph’s classroom are encouraged to come to events that celebrate their children’s work. He often facilitates author readings and invites parents to share curriculum ideas.
 
“I want the teaching and learning process to be a community effort,” Joseph said. “A critical part to this is including parents and families in our classroom throughout the entire year.”