Students Need Teachers, Not Just an Instructor
As I traverse the nation, engaging with students, educators, and various educational boards, a recurring sight deeply troubles me. It's not the disengaged student or the absent parent that weighs heavily on my heart, but rather the sight of educators with a diminished spirit. The field of education is undeniably challenging, filled with barriers and demands that test one's resolve. Yet, for me, it remains a profound passion. Witnessing educators who view their role merely as a job, rather than a vocation, is disheartening.
How can we aspire to nurture the next generation of globally competitive leaders if our own commitment wavers?
This reflection prompts me to explore the distinct roles of an instructor versus a teacher. The distinction is crucial, as students require more than just instruction; they need guidance, inspiration, and personal investment from those who stand before them. Through my experiences and observations, both personal and professional, the impact of a true teacher extends far beyond the classroom walls.
Instructors may deliver content effectively, but teachers imbue their lessons with life, connecting with students on a deeper level and fostering a passion for learning that lasts a lifetime. This blog aims to delineate these roles and offer strategies for instructors to evolve into teachers—individuals who not only educate but also lead, inspire, and empower their students to pursue their dreams with zeal and determination.
Are you the teacher who leaves a positive impact, discussed favorably by students even in your absence?
Do you strive to shape students into their best selves, aligning with their potential and destiny?
Teachers, in my view, are catalysts for leadership, on a divine mission to mold the next generation, encouraging them to contribute meaningfully to the world. In contrast, instructors often view their role as merely fulfilling job duties, ticking boxes along their career path.
True teachers immerse themselves in the entirety of the educational process, from meticulous lesson planning and engaging in professional learning communities to participating in professional development and navigating the bureaucratic intricacies of school meetings. Their aim transcends mere instruction; they seek to connect with and uplift students facing academic and personal challenges, including those reluctant to engage. Teachers pursue transformation—not only aspiring to change students but also evolving themselves to better serve and empower their charges. They approach each day with a "heart of harvest," committed to the philosophy of starting with heart, whereas instructors are focused on disseminating a predetermined curriculum within the classroom confines.
If you find yourself aligning more with the instructor identity, it's worth contemplating the transition to becoming a teacher—a change agent committed to both personal growth and the development of every student.
I urge you to undertake three reflective exercises to guide you from merely being an instructor to embodying the role of a teacher leader:
Reflect on Influence: Think about someone who has significantly impacted your life—this could be a parent, a mentor, a former teacher, or even an author whose works have inspired you. Write down who this person is and the advice or support they provided that has remained with you. Consider how this guidance has shaped your life and where you might be without it. This exercise aims to highlight the lasting impact of meaningful mentorship.
Understand Your Impact: With that reflection in mind, consider the students you interact with daily. Recognize that you have the potential to be as influential to your students as others have been to you. You are in a unique position to leave a lasting, positive mark on their lives.
#Start With Heart Heart: Realize that being a transformative teacher is not about fulfilling a role; it's about embracing your mission. It involves trusting in your abilities, your training, and your values. By leading with heart, you can inspire your students in profound ways, becoming the subject of their fond memories and stories decades from now.
Embark on this journey with the intention of starting with heart and making a difference. Trust in your ability to change lives and cultivate a legacy of empowerment and inspiration within your classroom. Remember, the influence of a great teacher can ripple through generations.