Thread: I've been thinking a lot about how I have changed as a teacher
1. In the beginning I did not give enough weight to how complex (emotionally, physically, academically) children are, and how dynamic their inner lives are, so...
1. In the beginning I did not give enough weight to how complex (emotionally, physically, academically) children are, and how dynamic their inner lives are, so...
2. I would look for "tricks" to manage the room, when really it was about relationships. You don't use "tricks" in any other complex relationships (spouse, friend, etc) so I don't know why I thought that was the right move
3. So then I thought I had to perform- be the most interesting thing they had ever seen, but again, is that how you treat other people you value? No, rather then be super interesting, I needed to be interested... in my kiddos and all their complexity
4. which led me to being less about trying to be a one woman show (aren't I fun? Don't I make you want to do this work?), and instead making sure the WORK was engaging and interesting and WORTHY of these individuals.
5. So then it turns out it isn't all about being the MOST interesting, the MOST dynamic teacher, but in turn being deeply invested and interested in your kids and finding pleasure in the puzzles
6. There are no tricks or shortcuts, regardless of what I thought or found in Mailbox magazine (I'm old) the best teaching it turns out, is the quiet and steady listening and questioning that comes when you care deeply about someone
7. I was all for the teacher as hero, teacher in costume, teacher as Teacher, but that ends up being all monologue. I don't regret the themes and the costumes and the other nonsense I did as much as I realize it was all just noise.
8. Relationships are complex and nuanced, teaching and learning exists within that relationship There are no shortcuts, you can't make it all about you. The joy is in the shared moments and the care you feel for each goofy, complicated, joyful little kid you have in your life.
In summary, human beings are complicated and unique, whether they are 5 weeks or 95 years old. There are no shortcuts and tricks, there is just compassion and empathy and relationship building.
