Educational Leadership: The Mastery of Teaching

Recently, I was sharing with a former colleague about my upcoming retirement. As part of his congratulatory remarks and well wishes, he stated that after 35 years teaching (and administering), I am now free to 'do.' My reaction to his comment is for another day. Suffice it to say that this sentiment is often expressed, and those of us in education understand the level of insult in such a statement.

In education, the adage "those who can do, and those who can't teach has been used to denigrate a profession that, for centuries, has contributed more to advancing our society and our democracy from one generation to the next.?

Instead, I propose that we consider the value and power of this noble profession and suggest the following: "Those who can, do; and those who teach, master." This phrase elevates the role of educators to their proper place in America, recognizing them as masters in their fields. It suggests that teaching is not a lesser form of "doing" but a higher form of mastery.

The act of "doing" refers to the ability to perform a task or skill. The notion of "doing" signifies the capacity to execute a task or skill. Outside of education, this could imply any number of things, including formulating strategies, overseeing resources, driving projects, etc. These are all vital duties that professionals in many professions must be adept at performing. However, the adage I propose suggests that a higher level of mastery goes beyond merely "doing." This higher level of skill is achieved through teaching.

In this context, teaching does not necessarily refer to traditional classroom instruction. It can also encompass mentoring, coaching, and leading by example. When educational leaders teach, they impart their knowledge, skills, and values to others. They transfer information and inspire and motivate their students, whether children in a classroom or adults in a professional setting.

The phrase implies that those who teach have not only mastered the skill themselves but have also mastered the art of conveying that knowledge to others. This more complex and challenging task requires a deeper understanding of the subject matter. It requires the ability to communicate effectively, understand the needs and abilities of different learners, and adapt one's teaching methods accordingly.

Moreover, teaching requires empathy and emotional intelligence. It requires connecting with others personally, understanding their struggles and aspirations, and inspiring them to reach their full potential. These qualities are not necessarily needed for "doing" but are essential for effective teaching.

Those who can teach are often the most effective leaders in educational leadership. They can inspire and motivate their teams, build strong relationships, and create a positive and productive learning environment. They understand their role is to "do" and help others learn and grow.

In educational leadership, "Those who can, do, and those who teach master" encapsulates a powerful truth. It suggests that the accurate measure of a leader is not just their ability to "do" but their ability to teach and inspire others. It recognizes that teaching is a form of mastery, requiring a deep understanding of the subject matter, effective communication skills, and emotional intelligence. As such, it serves as a reminder to all educational leaders of the importance of teaching in their role and the profound impact they can have on the lives of those they teach.

Reflection Questions:

1. How does the saying "those who can, do; those who teach, master" apply to your professional experience?
2. In what ways have you seen the impact of teaching on mastery in your field?
3. How does the act of "doing" differ from the act of "teaching" in your profession?
4. How do you feel about the statement "those who can do, and those who can't teach"?
5. How can the concepts of "doing" and "teaching" be integrated to enhance professional growth?

Tasks:

1. Reflect on a time when you had to teach a concept or skill to someone else. How did this process impact your understanding and mastery of the concept or skill?
2. Write a short essay on the role of teaching in your profession.
3. Identify three ways in which you can incorporate teaching into your professional practice.
4. Discuss the saying "those who can, do; those who teach, master." with a colleague. Share your insights and takeaways from the discussion.
5. Develop a plan to integrate teaching into your professional development strategy.