"I take it as a given that every good teacher remains a student of teaching, striving (although not always successfully) to be open to different ideas, techniques, approaches, conceptualizations, and therefore open to changing as a teacher, even radically so."
Teaching is learning and requires many skills: Humility and strength, patience and drive. Understanding and empathy but also determination to bring about change; respect for the student's current position in their life while also demonstrating a strong desire for them to keep growing and become the vision we and they desire for themselves. Wisdom and education are both outside and inside of the student :D
What a tough profession that I wouldn't have any other way.
I was told once that the First Nations (and I couldn't tell you specifically which group) on BC's west coast use the analogy of a sharp double-edged sword to represent life and it's decisions that can cut both the holder and the recipient.
What a very fine balance! And I'm glad I read this blog post on my first day back. It gives me the strength to continue honing my craft. Thank you.
"I take it as a given that every good teacher remains a student of teaching, striving (although not always successfully) to be open to different ideas, techniques, approaches, conceptualizations, and therefore open to changing as a teacher, even radically so."
Teaching is learning and requires many skills: Humility and strength, patience and drive. Understanding and empathy but also determination to bring about change; respect for the student's current position in their life while also demonstrating a strong desire for them to keep growing and become the vision we and they desire for themselves. Wisdom and education are both outside and inside of the student :D
What a tough profession that I wouldn't have any other way.
I was told once that the First Nations (and I couldn't tell you specifically which group) on BC's west coast use the analogy of a sharp double-edged sword to represent life and it's decisions that can cut both the holder and the recipient.
What a very fine balance! And I'm glad I read this blog post on my first day back. It gives me the strength to continue honing my craft. Thank you.
"...the tension between openness and stubbornness..." captures this place perfectly. Thank you Sensei!