What Teachers Must Do

I believe teachers must be continual learners. And not just learners about subject matter, or pedagogy or even curriculum. I believe teachers must be life long learners in all these areas, but the most important area to learn about is our self. This includes whom we are, what experiences shapes our values, our beliefs and our actions. Until I took this course I had not given much thought to the idea of knowing myself will make me a better teacher. However, I've come to realize that if I am willing to constantly learn about myself, questions myself, and then believe in myself, I can become the teacher I want to be. I will be able to know why I teach what I teach, why I teach how I teach, and why I think the things I teach are invaluable to students. I will know when to stand-up for my beliefs, how to articulate them, and discern if 'this' is what I'm willing to die for on this bridge.

I believe children deserve teachers that know themselves, that can provide empathy and not pity when needed, that are willing to go to bat for each child, that are not afraid to stretch their own comfort zones, and that can inspire trust, esprit de corps, critical thinking, and curiosity. I believe children deserve classrooms and schools that are safe, fun, caring, reflective, and celebratory. I believe that children deserve to learn in manners that meet their needs and abilities. I believe children deserve teachers who truly want to teach and are not just merely collecting a paycheck because they don't know what else they would or could do. I believe most of all that children deserve to be respected -- and the opportunity to learn and show respect in return. For if a child learns to respect their own space, identity, culture, and self, then they have a much greater chance of learning to give the same respect to others.

I believe teachers can either instill self-confidence and self-worth (and if not careful even take it away). I believe teachers can change the world - one child at a time (either for the better or for the worse) or collectively through collaboration. I believe teachers can make life-long impressions on their students that will continually shape them as they grow. I believe teachers can and should take risks to go outside of the 'but we've always done it this way' mentality. I believe teachers can make a difference in a child's: view of the world, the home they live in and later create, and the world they will too soon inherit.