I have so many people to thank for being so willing to embark on collaborative planning with me. To name a few (only initials given as this is a worldwide blog and some anonymity is advisable): AK (Science Teacher in NZ), LW (Web Tools 2.0 Expert in NZ), SD (HoD of ESOL in NZ), AMH (Professor of Chemistry in USA), JE (Math Teacher in the UK), CM (ex-ESOL Teacher in NZ), JT (builder in Australia), AM (medical practitioner in Te Maghrib), AA (Design Developer in Pakistan), SS (Head of Department in Spain). If I omitted you, it isn't intentional and I apologise. Do let me know.
I've loved teaching this term. I love the administration, the reports, the student contact, marking homework and tests and designing the units. Even the Professional Development has been fabulous.
So, to end this Term -
What did I learn when I stepped in faith and retrained as a teacher? So much! Let me see if I can summarise it succinctly....
1. There is always someone who wants to see you fail - petty jealousies are childish. The personal and professional damage and hurt they inflict are not. They are master manipulators and camouflage the truth but don't give in... If you must do something and you can't change it, avoid it or accept it - walk away with dignity knowing you did the best you could do. Do not falter in this regard.
2. Students - students are the future and should be given every opportunity to shine even if they shine in a way outside the box, in an unexpected glow that surprises - be open to that possibility.
3. Students will respect you if you respect them too - get passed the bravado and unwanted behaviour and embrace the unique person beyond it. It's worth it.
4. All students, like people, want to feel valued and have a sense of place and meaning - help them find it. They'll amaze you.
5. Don't let anything or anyone take your attention away from core business - student welfare and education. To serve is a privilege.
6. Finally, believe - believe that you can make a difference - you will! Believe in your students - they will surprise you. Believe in the vision of positivity and success - it might not go according to plan, but miracles might just happen!
Teach - the ultimate service of love, hope and kindness - just as God loves us and sent his son to serve - endeavour to serve. What you do and say will nurture or destroy a young mind. Students deserve the best in comments, body language and encouragement however exasperated you may become. Don't lose hope. Carry on.
Have faith......anything is truly possible.
So, to end this Term -
What did I learn when I stepped in faith and retrained as a teacher? So much! Let me see if I can summarise it succinctly....
1. There is always someone who wants to see you fail - petty jealousies are childish. The personal and professional damage and hurt they inflict are not. They are master manipulators and camouflage the truth but don't give in... If you must do something and you can't change it, avoid it or accept it - walk away with dignity knowing you did the best you could do. Do not falter in this regard.
2. Students - students are the future and should be given every opportunity to shine even if they shine in a way outside the box, in an unexpected glow that surprises - be open to that possibility.
3. Students will respect you if you respect them too - get passed the bravado and unwanted behaviour and embrace the unique person beyond it. It's worth it.
4. All students, like people, want to feel valued and have a sense of place and meaning - help them find it. They'll amaze you.
5. Don't let anything or anyone take your attention away from core business - student welfare and education. To serve is a privilege.
6. Finally, believe - believe that you can make a difference - you will! Believe in your students - they will surprise you. Believe in the vision of positivity and success - it might not go according to plan, but miracles might just happen!
Teach - the ultimate service of love, hope and kindness - just as God loves us and sent his son to serve - endeavour to serve. What you do and say will nurture or destroy a young mind. Students deserve the best in comments, body language and encouragement however exasperated you may become. Don't lose hope. Carry on.
Have faith......anything is truly possible.
No comments:
Post a Comment