ED 243 Magazine Project

8) Because of the lack of
respect there is for the
teaching profession, do you
think we sometimes don’t
trust teachers on the issues
we should?
Yes, that is possible. Teachers in
general are very knowledgeable and
caring. However, it’s important to
remember that teachers are human
beings, and therefore, they also can
make mistakes. As a general rule,
people should trust teachers; however,
if there is growing evidence that
something is amiss, parents should be
assertive enough to challenge the
teacher. I knew some teachers who
should have retired long before they
did. A parent must listen carefully to
his/her child when he/she complains
that the teacher “does nothing” or
“contradicts himself” or “is mean.”
I’ve had teachers like this and so have
my children; they should not be
teachers.
9) What sort of tips or
advice might you give a
beginning teacher?
I would advise him/her to always
over-plan a lesson, but also to be
flexible. Things rarely go “according
to plan” in the classroom. Sometimes
you need to just seize the moment and
run with it when something is going
particularly well. Always think about
what went well and how you can
build on it. Also, examine what
didn’t go so well, why, and how you
can fix it—or maybe just scrap it.
Sometimes what worked beautifully
with one class doesn’t work as well
with another class because the
students are different. Be prepared,
but be flexible (especially when being
observed by a supervisor!) and be
ready to handle the unexpected.
10) Any other comments
or tips?
Always remember that you are
teaching people first, and a subject
second. Don’t get so caught up in
WHAT you’re teaching that you
forget to relate to the students. To
paraphrase a famous saying, “A child
may not remember WHAT you
taught, but he will always remember
how you made him FEEL”. Treat
others as you would like to be treated.
Enjoy the journey.