The story of the Superhero teacher...

I remember a time a few years ago when I knew a teacher: a shy teacher. Someone who lacked confidence and didn’t realise their huge potential. ?

It was frustrating to watch: knowing that they were so good but didn’t have any self-belief.

I thought to myself: Why can’t they be more like that other teacher, they're far more bubbly, energised and driven?

I was comparing and wanted them to ‘change’, and to change quickly.

But instead, something else happened, something subtle, something slow that has been beautiful to watch…

This teacher went on journey of self-improvement and 'mastery' of the art of teaching.

They listened to ‘expert’ educationalists, watched others, asked more experienced colleagues for support, talked the least in meetings, and, perhaps more importantly, took everything in and trialed things in their classroom.

Every morning after staff training the evening before, they could be seen attempting/using/displaying one small, positive teaching change at a time in their classroom and, as a consequence, they grew.

They grew into the most majestic and humble teacher I’ve ever had the privilege to work with.

When colleagues watch the ‘Swan’ there is one uniform response that emerges:

‘Wow!’

The lesson I’ve learned:

Becoming excellent in one field takes time, but it also needs the right character traits:

-?????? Humble

-?????? Reflective

-?????? Honest

-?????? Open to feedback

-?????? Selfless

It was a powerful lesson and it's helped me reflect this evening on life and learning.

And so, I’m setting myself a personal challenge off the back of this inspiration…

I'm going to endeavour to develop as a writer with the intention of showing the children that, when you learn to use words to express opinions, you can hopefully help others grow.

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