Inspired To Do The Same

I have never been a math person, or a science person, or history person… for that matter I had never really found what type of “person” I was until my junior year in high school. It was my English teacher that helped my find my passion in life. Through his creative teaching methods, I was inspired to become an English teacher just like him. He challenges his students daily by presenting difficult questions and letting them discuss among their peers possible answers. His style of teaching is the opposite of the “traditional” method. He is very similar to the ideal teacher that David Pink and Tony Wagner describe in their books. His enthusiasm not only influences the atmosphere within his classroom, but that of the entire school. The impact he made on my school inspires me to do the same for future students. If I can get students as excited as he does about school, then I know I can make a difference.

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.

Compasion

Any teacher can write on a chalkboard and pass out homework, but only the special teachers will take the effort to show their students compassion. The interesting thing about compassion is that it cannot be faked. Students of any age can easily pick up when someone is not being sincere, so finding a teacher who truly cares about his/her students is very special.

I still vividly remember in 3rd grade, my dog passed away. This was my first time really experiencing death in my life. It was difficult for me to accept what was going on. Most of my young memories included my dog and he was like a brother to me. My teacher heard about my dog dying and she pulled me aside one day and told me that if I ever wanted to talk to her about it she would love to hear about my dog. So, the next day I brought in pictures of him and stayed after school. I flipped through pictures and told her stories of my dog. I remember feeling so much better after talking to her and reliving some of my favorite memories with him. Looking back on it now, she did not have to spend her time listening to a child tell stories about some random dog. I know she had other important things to do, but she instinctively knew that this was important to me; therefore she made it a priority.

Compassion is about simply being there for your students and making their lives important to you. I hope that when I am a teacher I will have the same compassion my third grader teacher had and be able to make my students’ lives not just inside the classroom, but outside as well, important to me.

Respect

Aretha Franklin is not the only one asking for a little respect. As civilized human beings we all expect others to value us, whether it is at home or at work. We tend to forget; however, that respect must first be earned.

The word “respect” can be defined numerous ways, but it can easily be summed up by the Golden Rule: “Treat others the way you would want to be treated.” Simple as that. What is not so easy is how to gain the respect of others, especially in a classroom setting. Teachers are not there to be a student’s friend, but rather a mentor. Students should listen to their teachers and follow their rules. They may ask questions about the rules, but once an appropriate answer is given, they should follow it without complaint. Lack of respect in the classroom can affect the learning of everyone in the room. Disorderly actions by a student can cause distractions to other students, and consume the teacher’s time. If actions are not taken to correct the behavior of a disruptive student, teachers risk losing the respect of their entire class.

So, the question is, “How is respect best established in a classroom environment?” It depends on the teacher. Each teacher will have his/her own style of teaching and different rules for students to follow. What is the same for all teachers is that they must first gain the respect of their class. Teachers need to sincerely care about every student, not only what they are doing inside the classroom, but outside as well. They need the students to understand that they want everyone to learn. How a teacher accomplishes this often reflects their personal perspective. Students of all ages have an uncanny knack for picking up on sincerity. With a combination of guidance and a genuine concern for students, respect will naturally follow.