Teach or Bust

The things (and people) we are most passionate about, by default, receive our most intimate time and attention. The difference between receiving a text message from someone you want to hear from and someone you don't care to really talk to is very evident in the length of your response.

This same thing can be very true of the quality (and quantity) of investment we make into our students as teachers. From the time spent planning lessons, and the attention we give during trainings, to the disposition we carry as we begin teaching and the attitude we have as we dispense information into our students. All of these factors are the fruit that bear witness to the deeply rooted passion (or lack thereof) that we have towards our craft.

*Excuse the language in this short clip...

It makes my skin crawl when I hear middle and high school students that I tutor mention that their teacher just sits behind their desk and doesn't teach them anything. Not to say I always believe what kids say, but when I work with students who grasp concepts easily, it makes their argument hard to disagree with.

Doing multiple problems out of a book, to me, doesn't constitute as learning (much less engagement).
I find it hard to understand how teachers (as adults) who have a difficult time paying attention in 30 minute staff meetings, think its okay to turn around and lecture to their students for 45 minutes (or more). When I think of how much of a kinesthetic & visual learner I am, I can't help but be reminded of what my students need in order to learn. How dare I lecture all day, then expect them to do countless worksheets?

Students need our attention and guidance when it comes to new material. Moreover, they are inclined to increase in self-efficacy when they believe their instructor is invested in them and their growth. Sitting at one's desk, giving students long independent assignments (to keep them out of our hair, or give ourselves a break from them) is not conducive to their success. Its not an environment that encourages them to be invested in their own success because no one is giving them a reason to do so!




          Teach...or collapse (metaphorically) from trying!

Be careful, lest you believe teaching is a job; a second or third base; a fall back career. Teaching is not for the faint hearted, the weak minded, the lazy nor the apathetic. Teaching requires 100% of our blood, sweat and tears...and when we 'clock-out' (which never really happens by the way), an additional percentage is required from us. But it's only a requirement to those who see this career path as a nuisance. To those whom it is much like an involuntary body movement; almost innate, its a joy and pleasure. It's constantly thinking about how to sharpen oneself; how to ignite a mental fire inside your students; how to arouse a love for a subject...and when just when you've utilized what you thought was your last drop of energy, a second wind unexpectedly revives your passion and whisks you back into the embrace of your craft with new ideas and invigorated methods!

Let's not cheat those who we will one day need. Yet, lets inspire them to be better than we are by setting the precedence; helping them see the value in education. But that means we must see the value in it ourselves.