cc licensed flickr photo shared by Rob Shenk
When all is done at school, and our students what will they remember? Will they remember the dynamic lesson that you taught them on fractions, or will they remember the time you spent talking with them at lunch time having a conversation about their weekend?
Let’s not even talk about what they will remember, but what will impact them more in their future. Learning is important but connecting is key.
One of my favourite teachers was my grade twelve football coach, who was also my physical education teacher. It was his first year of teaching, and my fourth year playing football for my high school. In my eyes, he was the rookie, and I was the veteran. Within two minutes of meeting him, I told him that I should be one of the captains of the team because of my experience. He looked at me and told me that leadership is not given because of the amount of years you have put in, but is earned through the respect and by inspiring others. I could not tell you one thing that he taught me in class, but I remember sitting down with him and talking about leadership many times. I would wager that there is nothing on this in the physical education curriculum.
I always look back and think about the connection I had with this teacher and how it impacted myself and what I do today.
What do you remember? What will your students remember about you?
You've really got me thinking here, George! I wonder what my students will remember about me. What do I want them to remember about me?
I've remembered many teachers for many different reasons, but when I read your post, I thought of a teacher that I had in Grade 8. I had just moved to the Hamilton area from Toronto, and this move was a big adjustment for me. I've always been a hard worker, but in grade school, I really struggled with my grades. I loved English though, and I loved writing, and this teacher taught me to believe in myself and know that I could do whatever I wanted to do. She always supported me and helped make sure that I was successful. When I was in university, I found out that she passed away from cancer, and I will never forget that day. I hope that she made as big as impact on other students as she made on me, and I hope that I make as big an impact on my students too.
Thanks for sharing this great post and really making me reflect on my own teaching too!
Aviva
Hi George. I was only thinking about this this morning on my way to work. I remember with great fondness my Year 6 teacher. I remember very little about what I learned (apart from the disastrous knitting of a teddy bear!) but looking back I realise how much she was encouraging my independence and confidence. It was a difficult time for our family as my mother had cancer but Miss Price was a constant and a stability for me that year, and I think of her often. i think my strong belief in the importance of teacher/student relationships has subconsciously come from my experiences in her class.
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