I got the nicest compliment today. One of my AP students said, “I don’t think of you as a teacher. I just think of you as an adult who knows things.”
I am not sure why her comment means so much to me. After all, over 45 years ago, when I was barely in school myself, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I have always seen myself as a teacher, as one who helps others learn something of value. I am comfortable teaching all levels of students, from adults to my grandchildren (the oldest one just turned three).
But today, when she said this, I felt a humble pride (is that possible?). Sometimes I think the word “teach” carries negative associations. I’m not always happy with the role I have to play in school. I don’t like to be a grader. I don’t like to have to enforce ridiculous rules of an institution. I don’t even like the idea that I have to teach certain things to certain kids in a certain way.
I even tell my students that I wish school was a place where we could come to just learn things together.
I am a teacher of course, but maybe I like it better to think of myself as “just an adult who knows things.”
7 responses so far ↓
1
Marcia
// Feb 20, 2008 at 5:56 pm
When I was working with student teachers, we had lots of talk about discipline. They were inordinately worried about their effectiveness in terms of discipline, though occasionally there was indeed one who needed to worry. But I always told them that when they could get to the point where they could regard themselves as part of the class, and to the point of knowing they were all learners, then they could stop worrying about discipline. That would take care of itself. Though you aren’t talking about discipline, you are talking about coming together, you and they into a sort of “us” state. That’s the best time of teaching. “A place where we could come to just learn things together” is that state. I love that.
[Reply]
2
Amerloc
// Feb 20, 2008 at 9:42 pm
I was going to say something about how lucky you are to hear something so wonderful from a student, but then I considered how much work you’ve put into creating an environment where that remark is possible, and I realized that attributing it to luck would be an insult to both of you.
So congratulations and heartfelt thanks.
[Reply]
3
Sam M
// Feb 21, 2008 at 4:47 pm
I’m glad you appreciated what I said so much, enough to blog it. It’s honestly really refreshing, especially as a senior, to walk into a room where teachers are actually worried about teaching more than Webgrader and staying below the radar. It’s nice that you ask us stuff because you want to know, not because it’s required in your curriculum outline.
[Reply]
4
Christian Long
// Feb 24, 2008 at 10:34 am
My wife — a middle school principal/teacher — still considers the following to be the best student-said compliment she’s ever received:
“You’re just like us middle school kids, ‘cept you have power and can get things done.”
You should feel very honored by what your student said! A wonderful moment, “teach” title or not.
[Reply]
5
tednellen
// Feb 24, 2008 at 12:15 pm
there is something cool about this, dawn. for me is that you have achieved that level of transparency. there is nothing wrong with being a teacher. i still think it is the most important job in the history of man. that you appear to the student as an adult who knows things is a great compliment from that level, cool. but never ever, consider being a teacher negative or degrading. it isn’t. it is the noble profession. there are lots of adults who know things, but they can’t teach. that is crucial, dawn, please don’t forget that.
[Reply]
6
mercyskye
// Feb 26, 2008 at 2:11 pm
I think that sums up how some of us felt in your classroom even 16 years ago. It is quite encouraging not only to know that you haven’t lost the touch, but to know that students are still willing to share their impressions with you.
I used to work with someone who said “Adults are just big kids that know stuff,” which is of course viewing things from the other way around. That you are “an adult who knows things” probably says as much about your leadership as it does your teaching ability (two separate, but complimentary, things IMO). People, and students especially, don’t like being told where to go or what to think… but if they can be willingly led to those areas, and be allowed to take their own journey with you, then you become less of an “authority” and much more like a guide.
[Reply]
7
Dawn
// Feb 26, 2008 at 7:25 pm
Mercedes,
Gracias!
ma’am
[Reply]
Leave a Comment