Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs A theory in psychology, proposed by Abraham Maslow in his 1943 paper "A Theory of Human Motivation". Maslow subsequently extended the idea to include his observations of humans' innate curiosity. His theories parallel many other theories of human developmental psychology, all of which focus on describing the stages of growth in humans. Maslow use the terms Physiological, Safety, Belongingness and Love, Esteem, and Self-Actualization needs to describe the pattern that human motivations generally move through. (Psychological Review 50(4): )

Maslow’s Pyramid While the pyramid has become the way to represent the hierarchy, Maslow himself never used a pyramid to describe these levels in any of his writings on the subject.

My interest in Maslow I was always the “NO” teacher when I first started teaching 14 years ago. We had to get through the lessons, I spent all that time developing and we are going to do them! (teacher/me centered) Kids are preoccupied with getting their needs meet: food, sleep, water, call home, Band-Aid, lotion, fear of embarrassment in front of peers …. Etc.. Those needs must be meet before they can focus on any lesson. Builds stronger relationships with kids because they know you care about them on the human level. Classroom is less stressed you can sense/feel it, overall atmosphere is positive. It made me realize, “ Who am I being, that is not allowing this person to reach their highest potential?” ( student centered, learning centered, I manage environment/not people) Is it my language ( you will, must, have to, non-inclusive) The class environment (stimulating, safe, inclusive, valued purpose, fun) Are they successful(need to experience success, do I offer them freedom and choices that I am comfortable with (non-negotiable) that still exhibits integrity to meet our (my) overall goals.) Basketball ( keys to the bus, with non-negotiable) Future Principals ( need to meet needs, material, and non-material of staff no matter which style of leader you chose for yourself)

Resources Maslow, A.H. (1943). "A Theory of Human Motivation," Psychological Review 50(4): Wikipedia: The free encyclopedia. (2012, September 20). FL: Wikimedia Foundation,