To me a good teacher is someone who doesn't feel they know everything! They need to be able to learn and grow right alongside their students. Not everyone will learn the same way so you can’t teach everyone the same way what works well for one student or even class might be a colossal failure for the next. It is important to have a structure and a plan to the way you teach but the walls of that plan should be padded and flexible or you will just have a lot of students smashing their heads against the concert walls of your educational plan while only a few notices the hallway you have for them to walk down. Don’t be too stubborn to take your students suggestions to heart. If everyone is saying hey Mr. Foster I really don't like how we rushed through Shakespeare I really didn't get it. The problem isn’t my students then huh? I would need to step back and say ok hmm how can I better teach these kids Shakespeare because clearly I’m falling short. On a more obvious note it doesn’t hurt to smile and be friendly. People will always respond better to that then sullen and unapproachable.
I love that you touched on something near and dear to my heart and that is “Don’t be too stubborn to take your students suggestions to heart.” I have found that when I am conducting a seminar or teaching in a class, if my students are looking afar and with glazed looks upon their faces, the chances are it is because I have lost them along the way and if I am the one driving the bus… then I can’t fault them for not ‘following’ when I am the one who took a wrong turn. Therefore, when that situation arises, I stop, look and listen. I will end my train of thought (letting my ego take a rest) and I will take stock into the situation. One glazed look, okay... maybe even two, but three or more ‘lost looks’ and I need to ‘listen’ to ‘where I went wrong.’
ReplyDeleteThe other thing I respect in your opinion piece as to what makes a good teacher is that growth within yourself during the ‘process’ is essential. If I stop learning from the people who come into my life (regardless of the capacity they are there) then I am doing a disservice to my students, my peers and myself.
Josh,
ReplyDeleteI couldn’t agree with you more, teachers need to remain students. Think of all the professions in this world which require re-education, doctors, lawyers, and managers at any level. Why would we not expect teachers to maintain and believe in dynamic learning environments? Why wouldn’t we require teachers to do the same? I mentioned something on Rebecca’s post that I hold close to my heart and have learned through my time leading teams into combat, leadership through servitude. A teacher is a leader and must adopt this mantra. Lead your students to success and serve their individual needs.