Taking Responsibility for Student Success

Over my 32+ years in education, I’ve heard teachers express frustration with students—sometimes calling them lazy, unmotivated, or indifferent. These labels often reflect a deep sense of concern and exhaustion, not a lack of care. Teaching is one of the most emotionally and intellectually demanding professions, and it’s natural to feel discouraged when students struggle.

And yet, I’ve also witnessed those very same students thrive in different classrooms or school environments.

So, what makes the difference?

A Lesson from Todd Whitaker

Early in my career, I was inspired by the work of Todd Whitaker, author of What Great Teachers Do Differently. One of his most powerful messages has stayed with me throughout my journey:

“Great teachers look for solutions, not excuses.”

Whitaker’s message isn’t about blame—it’s about empowerment. Teaching is incredibly complex, and supporting every student’s success requires patience, creativity, and perseverance. But it also requires hope: the belief that there is always a path forward, even when it’s hard to see.

Mindset Matters

What Whitaker suggests is more than a helpful tip—it’s a mindset shift in how we view our role. As educators, we don’t control every factor in a student’s life, but we do have an enormous impact. Embracing that impact means moving from frustration to curiosity, and from blame to problem-solving.

Here are a few practical ways we can begin to shift our practice:

1. Reframe Student Behavior

When students act out, it’s rarely because they want to give us a hard time—it’s usually because they’re having a hard time.

Rather than viewing misbehavior as defiance, we can:

• Seek to understand the root cause
  
• Partner with parents, counselors, and specialists
  
• Create thoughtful plans that combine support with accountability
  
  

Consequences alone don’t change behavior—but support paired with understanding often does.

2. Use Data to Inform Remediation‍

We all know the pressure of covering curriculum, but when we move forward without addressing gaps, students can quickly fall behind.

Instead, we can:

• Use assessment data as a tool for insight—not judgment
  
• Provide timely, focused support based on student needs
  
• Make small instructional shifts that lead to big gains over time
  
  

This approach takes time, and it’s okay to not have all the answers. The key is being willing to adjust and grow.

3. Reject the Acceptance of Failure‍

When students struggle repeatedly, it’s tempting to believe that failure is inevitable or beyond our influence. But this belief can slowly become self-fulfilling.

Instead, we can:

• Hold onto the belief that all students are capable of growth
  
• Replace resignation with inquiry: What might help this student succeed?
• Create consistent opportunities for second chances and support
  
  

I once worked with a teacher who, early in her career, felt that student success was mostly out of her control. But during a school-wide campaign to reduce failing grades, she began rethinking her role. She started offering lunch help sessions and tutoring after school. By refusing to give up on her students—and seeking support herself—she saw dramatic improvements. Her student growth score rose to a perfect 4.0 on the New Jersey State Growth Scale.

4. Embrace the Complexity of Teaching‍

It’s important to remember: no teacher is expected to do this work alone. Teaching is not only challenging—it’s inherently collaborative.

We grow when we:

• Acknowledge that we won’t always have all the answers
  
• Lean on colleagues, coaches, and professional development
  
• Share resources and celebrate collective success
  
  

Reaching every student isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being persistent, reflective, and willing to ask for help when we need it.

Conclusion

The success of our students is not defined by their background, behavior, or test scores. It’s shaped by the choices we make as educators—how we respond to challenges, how we support each other, and how we continue to believe in what’s possible.

Small shifts in mindset and practice can lead to big transformations in student outcomes. When we commit to learning alongside our students, and support one another through the complexity of teaching, we create classrooms where all students—and all educators—can thrive.

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