The Truth About Teaching

As teachers I think it is so important to remember that we can learn from our students just as well as they can learn from us. We do not always have to be in charge! In fact, some of the most amazing lessons I have been able to observe in actual classroom are ones where the teacher has given the students a task or problem and then set them loose to figure it out on their own. The teacher's sole job during this was to observe and facilitate the students' learning, rather than to stand up front and recite information to them. The students were able to engage themselves in the subject matter and figure things out on their own and they learned the content so well by doing it this way. The students were able to learn in ways that were easiest and made the most sense to them. When the teachers brought them back together they talked about the different ways the students figured their task/problem out. To me, this is a fantastic learning experience for the students and for the teachers. The teachers were able to walk around and see what their students were doing and incorporated what they saw during this, into other aspects of their instruction. They were able to see what their students did, how they figured things out, and take note of it to use for future teaching. The teachers learned things about their students that they wouldn't have in another circumstance. By doing this the teachers were showing me that they are willing to step away from the norm and give their students the opportunity to help shape them. It opened up the door to self-reflection. This is something that I feel is absolutely essential in teaching. You ALWAYS need to look back on your lessons and think about what went well, what didn't, and how you can fix things for the next time. If you can do these three things then teaching has become more than a job for you, it has become a career--something you are proud of and passionate about. To be a great teacher you need to be passionate about what you are doing, you need to want to make a difference in those children's lives. Being in the classroom more and more has awoken this person in me. I LOVE every second that I spend in the classroom and enjoy when students make connections to what they are learning. I have learned so much this semester from reflecting back on my lessons an thinking about what I could have done differently. I love to see the smiles on their faces when something clicks into place. Teaching is an amazing profession and I am so happy that I get to spend every school day next year in a classroom.