TEACHERS: THE MOST SIGNIFICANT VARIABLE
In the act of teaching and learning, it is not a particular methodology, technique, computer program, textbook, or standardized test that determines how much students learn. Rather, the teacher is the most significant variable in affecting the quality of education students receive. Thus, as teachers or future teachers, it is a good use of your personal resources to invest some time and energy in understanding this most significant variable: you. Who are you? What is your motivation? What brings you to this place? Why did you decide to become a teacher? These are not mundane questions to ask. Maria Montessori said that the best preparation for becoming a teacher is a study of oneself (Wolf, 1995). This means that if you want to help children find their strengths and accept who they are, you must first do so yourself.
Teaching and preparing to teach then is as much an inward journey as an outward journey. While teachers need to learn concepts and skills, it is also helpful to learn who we are, what we value, what philosophies seem to guide our lives, and what strengths, limitations, and passions we have. These are the essence of authentic human learning experiences. They also describe the highest form of education.
So who are you? What do you think about first thing in the morn-ing? What are you afraid of? What issues or events seem to always appear in your life? What gets in the way? What are your dreams? What things make you happy? What things move you? What life lessons do you need to learn?
Co Founder at Collage Educational Services, INC, Project Collage
8 年For me, the passion for teaching is bundled up in wanting to contribute to the greatest good we have - each other. Teacher toolkits must be like Swiss Army knives. Thanks for another gift, Dr. Whetstone.
IT Governance Professional | Business Consultant | Lifelong Learner Empowering Growth in PNG
9 年Sir, I have never read any of your posts before but this one post makes me want to become a teacher!
??Versatile voice actor & passionate literacy specialist; I provide high-quality recordings from my professional home studio; specializing in children’s projects, commercials, narration, and animation.
9 年I just love your writing, your spirit, your philosophy. I wish you could be our school administrator. I'd love my job so much more with someone like you at the helm. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and your soul with the world.