What is a teacher? A teacher is an enabler, an encourager, a police man, a coach, a caring individual, an appropriate “friend”, a shoulder to cry on, a voice of confidence, a fair disciplinarian, authoritative (but not authoritarian) in manner, a voice of reason, and a sign of hope.
Kids should feel comfortable when they walk in your class room. I say kids as opposed to students because if we as educators remind ourselves that we are teaching kids then we are less likely to hold them to behavioral standards which they can not meet. It is important to have a structured class room; however, it is equally important to know when to be a disciplinarian as opposed to not being one. None of us want to be the teacher everyone hates, and generally, students hate the teachers who are so rigid in their pedagogy that they don’t feel they have a voice. Sometimes laughter is the best medicine for situations, and sometimes laughter gets across a very good point, “It was funny this time, but don’t do it again.” Am I saying to never send a kid to the office? No, I have to send a few in my time, but I am saying use fair judgement. The most important thing to do is try to see the world from their eyes as opposed to yours.
We have to be the voice they may not always hear. We also have to understand that making our lessons fun, while not being stupid, is imperative for their learning process. However, fun is not always encouraged by administration; however, many do become flexible once they see the kids are learning and awake. A cardinal rule of teaching: if I were to sit in my class would I fall asleep? Remember that and you will go far.
To become a great teacher it starts with finding the perfect teaching fellowships and mentors. MAT@USC takes an active role in connecting students with these opportunities.
