Let's Be Real

When becoming a teacher, we are also becoming a live performer seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day. We must put on a cheerful smile and positive attitude every time we walk into our classroom. Even outside of the classroom, students are still watching our actions. Yet, we walk a fine line. There is a difference between performing as our “best selves”, and acing like someone we are not.

Too often, we find the extremes of this authenticity dilemma within the classroom. Some teachers have an image of the ideal teacher they want to be, but it is not who they truly are. Students can sense insincerity, and the worst thing a teacher can do is fake their passion for teaching. Once this happens, students quickly lose their respect for their teacher. On the other hand, when students sense that a teacher truly cares about their success and well being, it can positively change their outlook on life.

A sense of authenticity only becomes more transparent as one works with older students. In a younger classroom, it is more obvious what is appropriate discussion within a school setting is, but as a student becomes older they demand more adult conversation from their teachers. Often simply discussing the “news of the day” requires a mature dialogue. At no time, however, should teachers impose their ideas or beliefs on a student.

Teaching does not stop once we leave the school grounds. Students look up to us; therefore we must act with integrity and be role models at all times. Our actions speak louder than our words, and what we do outside of the classroom often makes more of an impact than what we do during the school day.

Like everyone, teachers are far from perfect. It is, however, the striving for our “best self” that ultimately teaches the most valuable lesson. It is then that our students learn the discipline to do the same.