On Teaching

I jokingly share with folks that I have spent my entire life in school. Even in jest, that is not as far-fetched as it may sound. From the age of six, a year has not gone by where I did not learn and grow in a classroom. This has been one of the greatest gifts I have received in my career. Through these experiences in education as an instructor and an observer, it is clear to me that there are some fundamental truths about successful classrooms and teachers that guide my practice and to which I aspire.

• Students learn best when they know their teacher cares about them as a person and wants to help them achieve academic success. Without this empathetic connection, students often struggle to take the leap of faith needed to fully and safely participate in their learning. They need to see that their teacher knows and values them.
• Teachers that share their passion for and emphasize the relevance of their subject are quite often the most effective. Continually introducing real-world examples and connections across disciplines keeps learning fresh and helps students stay engaged with the material. Instructors who share with students why they fell in love with their discipline build connections with all levels of learners. Passion can be contagious.
• Structure, organization and cadence are essential components in keeping students engaged and active in and outside of the classroom. Teenagers are inherently overextended, often disorganized, and prone to catastrophize. Successful teachers provide a learning environment where all the expectations are clear; students understand how, when and what they need to do on a daily and weekly basis. This level of preparation takes away the anxiety that accompanies the unknown. When they enter the classroom or begin their homework, they can relax because they know what to expect.
• Teaching is often chaotic and can be all consuming. And the majority of school stakeholders know that time is our most precious commodity. Despite this, teachers need to try to be available for and visible to students. Teachers who go the extra mile by meeting their students during or outside the school day to help them improve their understanding, or just to talk, make an immeasurably positive impact in the experience and success of these teenagers. Additionally, teachers who can find the time (even occasionally) to attend a sporting event or a performance of their students makes a huge difference. Students see everything, and their teacher’s presence in their lives outside the classroom lets them know that they are valued for more than their academics.
• Finally, and most importantly, learning needs to be joyful for all. Hoc super omnia.

For me, attempting to put all of this into practice is quite humbling, but it is what keeps teaching so rewarding. When it comes together, and my students and I are in lock step in the classroom, it is a most rapturous cacophony. Even when I fall short, the next day is a fresh start, full of possibilities and challenges. As I hope is clear, I believe teaching is not just imparting knowledge, it is accepting the challenge of being a part of students’ lives and the vicissitudes that brings. It is the greatest privilege in my life.