Miss the classroom

It's been a good two months since I've last stood in the front of a classroom. In teacher's time that means too long. I never realized that summer vacations could feel so poopy. Yes, poopy. Although I have been so busy in terms of my own obligations as a student, I miss facilitating discussions. In fact, I jump into the role with my friends and family without realizing it. Retrospectively, however, I notice that it is sooo dangerous to go into 'teacher' mode with friends and family. It can come off as domineering, a bit cocky, and somewhat arrogant. Now, it's not that I feel that way (i.e. I'm the teacher and everyone else should learn from me, no....), but people aren't used to it, except in a classroom setting. Therefore, I encourage all those who are in educator roles to be careful!!!

A couple of months ago, I was with people getting coffee, and without realizing my voice went into "teacher mode". Now, my teacher mode isn't like "sit down and behave" or "I'm the teacher you're the student" but more of "please elaborate on why you think that" or "what do you think that means" ect ect. But I guess it can feel like one is being interrogated in a sense. I look back at conversations and I'm like "oh snap!" how'd that happen??? It's so interesting because, you're curiosity about people, ideas, and beliefs can come off completely the wrong way. -____- trust me, it can...

o___O


Anyway, what am I talking about?

I think the hardest part about being a teacher is finding the right balance (maybe it all avenues of life too). As a student, the teachers I greatly disliked were those who pretended like they knew everything. I also disliked those who had no clue what they were doing because of lack of preparation. Trust me, students notice. The professors/teachers I loved the most were those who truly did challenge me. They pushed me without my even realizing it. My favorite professors were those who made me realize that I had skills and ideas that were important, whether or not people thought them. They made me realize that my ideas were important no matter how shallow or deep they may be. They taught me to listen to everyone, regardless of age/experience/gender/race ect, and to look for a lesson to be learned. So that everyone you meet teaches you something. So, that the world is your classroom. So that every moment is a teachable moment.

Sorry if this sounds cliche, but if you truly experience this fully, you really become a person who learns. I modeled my classroom based upon the best experiences I had as a student. Some students love it, some students hate it. I still have millions of miles to go of experience and changes to make. I mean, I have only 2 years of teaching experience and that is nothing.

My sister just said something really interesting (and relevant) while we were observing someone in my family use a tool in the wrong way. The family member kept saying: "this is the worst tool I've ever used". And my sister turns to me (while I was typing this post)

"One day you're going to be teaching the one subject that doesn't suit you like math (cuz I'm in political science), and someone is going to call you the worst teacher in the world. That is because your skills are not being properly used."

This was soooo on point. Any experience is one that you can learn from. Does this mean give up on classrooms and forgo books? Not necessarily.



Okay, A.D.H.D.... FOCUS! I miss my classroom. I might not be teaching this summer, because I need at least 10 students to register, and I don't think I have met the threshold yet. Classes start in a week and a half. But maybe the anticipation will help me get more excited about being back in the classroom.

So what is this post really about?
1- missing my classroom
2- don't go teacher mode outside of it
3- teachable moments from all people
4- stay open-minded.

Just wanted to share my thoughts. But, also, I wanna hear (read) yours.