I have never thought of becoming a teacher of a public school. The idea frightens me, actually. When I think of a teacher, I reflect on all of the difficult times I put my poor instructors through during junior high and high school. It puts a high level of stress just imagining being in front of a bunch of younger students. What doesn't frighten me, however, is being able to feel confident enough to provide a training seminar in front of many people. It excites me.
It is interesting, because I also don't feel too intimidated in teaching someone one-on-one. This type of learning is especially important. When I reflect on those that have helped me throughout my life, be it family, school, work, or any other situation, there has always been someone that assisted me when I asked.
I'd like to become more open and willing to assist people when they need it. I find myself sometimes giving my advice when the person I was speaking with wasn't asking for it. That is my own personal problem I am attempting to overcome. I'd like to become more of a mentor for others. I believe that with hard work, dedication, and a continuation of learning and experiences, I will be able to stand out and be one that people can seek advice from. I am dying to eventually be asked, "how did you get where you are now? What advice do you have for me, so I can become successful like yourself?" I want to be asked these questions, because I have been asking them for so long, and I just want to give back.
Teaching is one of the most worthwhile things I have ever done, I never thought I would be in a position to change peoples lives and the thought of that potential should be frightening. After doing this for 13 years I would have not wanted it any other way, my students from past classes still contact me and inform me where they are at, what they are doing, family status and the most humbling thing is continue to give thanks for what they received from me. That`s why I continue to do what I do we all know it is not the great pay. I almost never entered this realm I am so glad I did.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first became an instructor, it was in a one-on-one setting. It was not really nerve wracking because the students and I connected quickly. They had too. I was one of three, sometimes more, instructors who they had to rely on to secure their job and stay safe.
ReplyDeleteIn 1996, I started teaching to others in my profession. I was teaching cops. Teaching junior high and high school kids is cake compared to teaching cops. They can be the most cynical, outspoken, "in your face" students. Instructor credibility is paramount. It was not a fun transitional time for me.
You mentioned teaching in a seminar. What is your particular area of interest? Is this something from a workplace, or school environment?
I would not say teaching is fun, at least not for me. I do feel passionate about it and perhaps that is why I do it. I has paid dividends both professionally and personally. In time, you would feel comfortable teaching just about anywhere.
Justin,
ReplyDeleteI have always been inspired by teachers and think it's a amazing to be able to have huge impact on someone's life for the better. I can totally relate to what you said about the way that junior high and high school students treat teachers, but I also think that teachers that teach to students that age kind of expect the attitude, which doesn't make it acceptable.
Personally I have never been a "teacher" but I have instructed people while at my job and it is a true passion of mine. I love to help people learn and be a part of their development. I think it's amazing that you are trying to work on becoming better at helping people as well!
Justin,
ReplyDeleteIt surprised me when I read your blog today. I view you as a great mentor and thank you for the advise you have given me. You would be a great public school teacher.
If you look at your own life and the way you mentor, you will realize that you do not expect that teens are perfect. Teens are trying to find their way through a maze of becoming an adult. They are dealing with everything from their niche in school, friends, and family. Teens lives are changing and they have never had to deal with as many emotions, hormones, and boundrys. You do not expect for them to be perfect and would not want them to be perfect. I am sure that your teachers have great memories of you.
It may take a few times teaching to a large class before you feel comfortable, but before long you will feel more confident and begin to enjoy your larger audience.
I initiated a training program and had never, ever even spoke publicly before that. I did however know about grants, policies, procedures, and compliance. I had realized that we were not giving the faculty, staff, or students the tools they needed to be able to manage their funds. I was teaching professors.... YIKES! I found that if I treated them with respect, listened to feedback (both verbal and physical) I could reach them. I first asked them what they thought they needed more information on, what they knew, and what they thought would be the most helpful. I prepared my curriculum and talked them as if they were my sister or brother. I told them I learn by repetition so several things would be mentioned and later as time went on, I would expand on them with more and more detail. At first, I was faced with professors that had been managing grants for many years and they didn't think I had anything new to tell them. As the training progressed they could see that I was really there to give them tools. To help them to be able to find answers to their questions and to help them understand the policies and what the purpose of the policies was. Soon I was not only training new recipients of grants, I was also being contacted by others to see if I could fit them into my training. It was very rewarding. But going back to the first training I did, and the first few minutes, I was petrified but with practice it became something I looked forward to and enjoyed.
I think we can all tell that you not only enjoy being a mentor, you are also very good at it. You are knowledgeable and I admire your willingness to help. You would be a great teacher.
techtooljule