Great teachers don’t teach school, they teach people.
They don’t “control” their classes, they lead individuals to thrive.
They don’t get kids “caught up,” they meet learners where they’re at and inspire curiosity… Without judgement or shame.
They don’t depend on “data to drive instruction,” they inspire people to fall in love with learning.
They aren’t concerned with “accountability” because they’re entrenched in authentically caring that students feel like worthy and capable human beings.
They don’t “teach to the test,” nor do they teach “curriculum” or “standards.”They literally teach people to be authors, artists, mathematicians, athletes, scientists, historians.
Great teachers are artists, empowering people to craft lives which make the most of their unalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Excellent blog Seth!
Thanks Chris. True labor of love.
Love this. Really well said. Coming from a family of educators and teaching in my own fields outside of “traditional” academia, I find it is crucial to personalize the student learning experience as much as possible, especially when teaching groups. The best teachers I have had over the years (and the role models that continue to inspire me today) always approached teaching from outside the cookie cutter curriculum box, infused their lessons with their own personal touch, and allowed me the space for personal discovery and reflection. They showed me the way from Point A to Point B but let me forge my own path along the way. And, most importantly, they never pulled authoritative rank; the learning process was collaborative and flowed freely in both directions between teacher and student. Thanks for your post, Seth, and for reminding me why I love teaching.
I’m glad it resonates Liz. I like your choice of words, “it is crucial to personalize”. And yes, great teachers create “space for personal discovery and reflection”. They help students develop meaningful metacognition, so they can understand their own style of learning, thinking, feeling, processing. Thank YOU for teaching!