With the overemphasis on testing and scripted curriculums, passion-driven education is starting to lose a foothold and responsible educators and citizens have a responsibility to keep that from happening. Angela Maiers has a series running on her blog profiling guest posts from a diverse group of educators who are passionate about learning. I encourage you to check out the other authors who have posted in this series. Below is mine; cross-posted on Angela's blog.
Often when I'm frustrated with education, either globally or within my own classroom, others remind me of the reason for my frustration. "It's because I'm a passionate educator," they say. Comments like that leave me wondering what that means, and why aren't all teachers passionate about what they do? I can't answer the second question, but I have a pretty good idea on the first one. What makes a passionate educator?
In my opinion, a passionate educator:
- Takes the time to get to know each student; even if it means not sticking to a pacing chart or meeting other arbitrary deadlines. After all, individual and informal conversations are rarely built into the curriculum.
- Gives her students a forum for self-expression and a wider audience.
- Recognizes and responds when the curriculum needs to be adapted; even without an IEP, EP or 504 plan.
- Stands her ground even when there's nobody else to stand there with her (or so she thinks).
- Is not afraid to push back against the Big Dogs.
- Knows (or at least makes an effort to recognize) which battles to choose with parents, administrators and peers.
- Devotes time, energy and (sometimes even) money to personal and professional growth. Aside from attending conferences, there's plenty of free venues for professional growth.
- Shares openly and engages in conversations with a diverse group, near and far.
- Is not afraid to expose herself and share shortcomings.
- Is not threatened by other's achievements, but encourages and supports them.
- Pushes herself out of her comfort zone to learn and use innovative tools.
- Knows that taking time to herself is just as important as doing for others.
What do you think? What have I left out? (And, can you help me answer the first question: Why aren't more teachers passionate about what they do?)
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I had a university professor once ask our class "What are you doing with the non-renewable life minutes of your students? Of your own life?" I think a passionate educator recognizes the value of a moment... he/she never settles for busy work... but chooses novels to study, issues to discuss that will impact his/her students. A passionate educator realizes that each moment is a gift to connect, inspire, engage and equip - not a work day to survive.
Thanks for the discussion; I agree with you about the qualities of a passionate educator. I would venture to add one more: A passionate educator is comfortable with the idea of not having an, "instant answer or solution" to a problem and models this quality for students. I believe that our culture rewards "quick answers and fixes" so much that teaching sort of ends up looking like more of a techical handbook than a combined art and science.
I wish I believed that all educators are passionate; perhaps, once upon a time more were, but increasingly I see "exhausted" "checked out" teachers who have grown weary of giving up autonomy and creativity in exchange for a test-driven curriculum. I left a school environment that was much that way because I was terrified that my passion would be sucked out of me.
Perhaps the loss of passion comes when teachers realize that they can't help all kids the way they want to, given the resources afforded them. Or maybe, people get numb after doing the same thing, the same way, every day knowing that they are not making the difference they set out to make.
In any case, teachers need to refuel by surrounding themselves with other "passionate" and learning educators so that they can be inspired to hang in there and stand up for what works in the classroom. Thank you!
I think policymakers bear the responsibility for creating the conditions that allow policymakers to be passionate about their work---rather than just harping on the fact that we're not passionate.
Does this make any sense?
Bill
It does make sense, but keep in mind that even with conditions the way they are, there are still plenty of passionate educators. After doing this for 26 years, I've seen the pendulum swing. In good times and bad, there are still teachers who give it their all. I'm starting to think that there are some educators who are simply "phoning in" their daily routine. Regardless of how good things get, I'm not sure those people would change much. My current principal has a saying that I love. He refers to our community of parents who consistently find things to complain about; regardless of the fact that they should be thrilled with the quality of our school and teachers. He says, "You can give every child in your class a gold bar, and some parent will call up to complain about his child having to carry it home."
Our schools would be better if teachers would work harder but with the current system, there's no incentive to do any better than the guy next door. It takes a very passionate educator to want to do better despite the fact that there's little or no reward.
I am reminded of my first supervising teacher. A tiny, 65 year old woman who taught math at an inner-city high school. All of the kids, including those who towered over her, listened to her quiet but firm voice, worked hard to meet her expectations for them, and loved her for it.
I was privileged to follow in her footsteps when she retired the following year. I hope I emulated her passionate style and her high expectations for all the students she taught.
http://neatoday.org/2010/09/24/a-teachers-letter-to-oprah/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=nea_today_express&utm_campaign=20101013UpsetEducatorTakes&utm_content=OprahLetter