Appreciating Teachers
By Dan Coulter
I heard New York’s 2007
teacher-of-the-year, Marguerite Izzo, on a PBS News Hour report the
other day describe how she does “five shows daily.” She
appears to be a dynamo,
who makes every lesson interesting.
It’s no surprise that you need
to be at least somewhat exciting and engaging in class to compete
for kids’ mindshare with videogames, cell phone cameras and text
messaging.
Some teachers are born performers.
Others have to learn to keep their students’ attention. Either way,
I think we need to appreciate all it takes to get up in front of a
tough audience of modern school kids and try to reach into their
complex, fast paced, media-tuned minds.
And “performing” is only one aspect
good teaching.
So, as the school year draws to a
close, here’s a thank you to the teachers we admire.
o For
understanding that the real measure of teaching is not what you
cover, but what you can get your students to absorb.
o For
often putting your personal problems on hold and bringing your “A”
game to class.
o For
igniting students’ interest in things that matter.
o For
spending hours of work time outside the classroom that your students
never see.
o For
constantly assessing and adjusting your approach, looking for the
best ways to reach your students.
o For
not being afraid to try new techniques.
o For
working with parents to give students consistent messages and
reinforcement at home and at school.
o For
accepting that students with physical or mental challenges are just
as deserving of your time and attention as “typical” students.
o For
showing “difficult” students that you still believe in them when
others have given up.
o For
thinking of every new class as “your” students.
o For
seeing students as individuals and seeking out their strengths.
o For
celebrating students’ accomplishments.
o For
staying connected to students after they leave your class.
o For
knowing that if you can reach just one student in your class…but
then, reaching just one student was never an option for you, was it?
o For
accepting students as they are, as you help them become what they
can be.
Before I close, I'd like to go back
to that News Hour report, by Time
Magazine essayist Nancy Gibbs. It cited a National Education
Association poll of teachers that asked what gift would make them
feel most appreciated. The top response by a landslide? To hear
someone say “Thank you.”
Here’s hoping that deserving teachers
everywhere receive that reward.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dan Coulter
produces educational videos that help schools and parents support
students who have Asperger Syndrome and autism. You can find more
articles on his website at
www.coultervideo.com.
Copyright 2008 Dan Coulter
Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved.
