Posted by teacher on
December 5, 2011
If you are a new teacher, please do not sabotage your career by making the biggest mistake most teachers make when they first start teaching. What mistake is that you ask? It’s being a hypocrite. Ouch! I know that’s harsh, but allow me to explain.
One of the most common questions I get asked during my teacher training workshops is, “What can we do to get our students to be more respectful?” In other words, many educators complain that many students talk back, misbehave, and “act out” with little regard for the teacher and/or his or her classmates.
The truth is…times have changed. Long gone are the days when a teacher’s presence alone demanded respect – from students as well as parents. Today, in a society where good morals are on the decline, while self-centeredness is on the incline, we can’t afford to educate students like our teachers once did “back in the day.” We have to get respect the hard way; we have to earn it.
I think one of the best ways to earn a student’s respect in the classroom is by becoming the kind of person your students want to become. Put another way, if your students don’t want “to become” you (i.e., duplicate your success), then you don’t need “to be” there. We’re talking about integrity. Whenever we promote success to students without first modeling it, then we’re seen as hypocrites in their eyes, even if they don’t admit it. In addition, we lose credibility in the classroom.
I personally believe that as teachers, others should want what we have. I’m not talking about material possessions, position, power, or perceived status; I’m talking about good character. Character is something money can’t buy but everyone admires and respects – even if they don’t like you personally.
Posted by teacher on
December 2, 2011
1. Empathy
You have the ability to bond with your students, to understand and resonate with their feelings and emotions. To communicate on their level. To be compassionate with them when they are down and to celebrate with them when they are up.
2. Positive Mental Attitude
You are able to think more on the positive and a little less on the negative. To keep a smile on your face when things get tough. To see the bright side of things. To seek to find the positives in every negative situation. To be philosophical.
3. Open to Change
You are able to acknowledge that the only real constant in life is change. You know there is a place for tradition but there is also a place for new ways, new ideas, new systems, and new approaches. You don’t put obstacles in your way by being blinkered and are always open and willing to listen to others’ ideas.
4. Role Model
You are the window through which many young people will see their future. Be a fine role model.
5. Creative
You are able to motivate your students by using creative and inspirational methods of teaching. You are different in your approach and that makes you stand out from the crowd. Hence the reason why students enjoy your classes and seek you out for new ideas.
6. Sense of Humour
You know that a great sense of humour reduces barriers and lightens the atmosphere especially during heavy periods. An ability to make your students laugh will carry you far and gain you more respect. It also increases your popularity.
7. Presentation Skills
You know that your students are visual, auditory or kinaesthetic learners. You are adept at creating presentation styles for all three. Your body language is your main communicator and you keep it positive at all times. Like a great orator you are passionate when you speak. But at the same time you know that discussion and not lecturing stimulates greater feedback.
8. Calmness
You know that the aggression, negative attitudes and behaviours that you see in some of your students have a root cause. You know that they are really scared young people who have come through some bad experiences in life. This keeps you calm and in control of you, of them and the situation. You are good at helping your students de-stress.
9. Respectful
You know that no one is more important in the world than anyone else. You know that everyone has a place in the world. You respect your peers and your students. Having that respect for others gets you the respect back from others.
10. Inspirational
You know that you can change a young person’s life by helping them to realise their potential, helping them to grow, helping them to find their talents, skills and abilities.
11. Passion
You are passionate about what you do. Teaching young people is your true vocation in life. Your purpose in life is to make a difference.
