What can I say? It's John Wooden, AMAZING. Even at 91 years of age the message is right on. Wooden defines success as having peace of mind from knowing you gave it your best. As an educator it is what I strive to get from each student daily. I certainly do not let the daily lesson plan limit the growth of a student. Each minute you spend with a child is an opportunity to help that child flourish, reach, and achieve. Many of the greatest lessons I have taught have nothing to do with math but instead with life. Wooden's life was dedicated to educating young men. His profession was basketball but his passion was teaching.
I personally view John Wooden as a great leader. His message is derived from personal experiences that were formed in the early 20th century. It is now the 21st century and his message can and should still be relevant to all educators. If you believe you can, you can. If you believe in the student, they can. Spending time whining and complaining uses up minutes you can spend overcoming and achieving. I have met many teachers who "teach" for the benefits of teaching: retirement, holidays off, summer off, day ends at 3pm. I TEACH also for the benefits of teaching: assisting in applied thought, instilling values, building confidence, exploration of self. Faith and patience may we all be blessed with it every waking day.
There are many moments in my 7th/8th grade Science classroom that the science lesson of the day is put aside and life-lessons are being taught. Teaching students life lessons is as important as teaching the curriculum. Teaching is often viewed as a thankless profession - I often wonder "thankless to whom"? Are the teachers who are complaining really the ones who strive to make a difference in a child's life each and every day? I am thankful each day that I have answered God's call and became a teacher. I am not only the teacher in my classroom, often I am the one being taught. My students teach me everyday the virtues of patience, fairness, respect, integrity, and humor.
ReplyDeleteChris and Annelle, your combined comments made me think of what we've been discussing in class and reading about how teachers are more comfortable with students than with peers. Sometimes, when I talk about my day with family and friends or when my husband chaperones a student event with me, I hear comments like "I couldn't deal with THAT everyday." I usually laugh at this reaction because being with students, watching them create, struggle, achieve, etc. is the best part of being at school. I work in my office for most of the summer, and it strikes me how hollow and sad school can seem without the students pumping it full of life. I agree with both of you about the benefits of teaching.
ReplyDeleteEveryone has to define their own meaning of success. I feel you dont have to fail to succeed but you shouldnt be afraid to fail. As teachers, you cant let your curriculm dictate the way every class period should go. There are so many life lessons to teach students as well as learning from them.
ReplyDeleteAt the end of the day, what is someone coming out of high school going to remember the most, the biology lesson on photosynthesis or the senior retreat they experienced while making friendships and strengthening their faith?
Amie
The tough days are not usually driven by the students, rather, the adults hwho are not in a particularly good place of their own. I know we are short on people choosing to teach, however, too many are doing this as a last resort.
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