Sometimes, I really doubt myself as a teacher.
I doubt my skills to teach properly, creatively, and to make that light bulb go off in my students' minds. Sometimes I even doubt that I truly want this as my career. I notice that tends to happen when there has been a gap between jobs, and it has been a while since I was teaching. I suppose that time away from the classroom is correlated to my doubts. Possibly, the separation exacerbates my fears, which causes me to doubt what I want.
But, then... I stand in front of my students, and I teach them the language that I love. And it all clicks back into place.
I recently started a new leave replacement job teaching ASL to high school students, grades 10 - 12. I have replaced a teacher out on maternity leave until December.
I have two classes of level 1, and one class with a mix of level 2 and 3. The mixed class can be frustrating, as they are clearly at different places in learning the language, and so different lessons and activities need to be planned for one class. However, the students are very motivated, and are pleasant in class. There have been no behavioral issues, and it doesn't seem like there will be very many, if any. Plus, many of them want to continue with ASL beyond high school.
The same goes for the two level 1 classes. I only have one student in one of the classes who seems apathetic, but we'll see how that goes. Though sometimes too chatty in a class learning a visual language where it is vital to pay attention and keep voices off, they are still good, bright kids and I think we will both learn a lot from each other. I hope I'm not speaking too soon when I say that it looks like I have a great group of students for the next few months.
Back to standing in front of them center of attention. I used to hate it.
Any time I had a project in school that had to be presented in front of the class, I hated it. Except for ASL.
During any other class presentation or speech, I became so nervous automatically. I felt I could barely breathe, my hands would shake, and I would forget absolutely everything I wanted to say. Except in ASL.
ASL class was the only time I felt comfortable enough to make a presentation or act out a conversation or skit in front of my peers. And I want my students to feel that same level of comfort with me. Now that I am in the opposite position, teaching others this beautiful language, I am still no longer afraid. The only thing I still fear is that my lessons are not creative enough and I will not teach effectively to make them understand, but I just chalk that up to nerves. I've learned from the best, and I therefore strive to give my students the best I can.
This week, after stepping back into the classroom, I realize once again that I love what I do. I want to spread this amazing language as much as I can, and the best way I know how to do that is to teach it.
This continues to be one of my favorite speeches of all time. Trust me, it's worth it to watch and listen.
I doubt my skills to teach properly, creatively, and to make that light bulb go off in my students' minds. Sometimes I even doubt that I truly want this as my career. I notice that tends to happen when there has been a gap between jobs, and it has been a while since I was teaching. I suppose that time away from the classroom is correlated to my doubts. Possibly, the separation exacerbates my fears, which causes me to doubt what I want.
But, then... I stand in front of my students, and I teach them the language that I love. And it all clicks back into place.
I recently started a new leave replacement job teaching ASL to high school students, grades 10 - 12. I have replaced a teacher out on maternity leave until December.
I have two classes of level 1, and one class with a mix of level 2 and 3. The mixed class can be frustrating, as they are clearly at different places in learning the language, and so different lessons and activities need to be planned for one class. However, the students are very motivated, and are pleasant in class. There have been no behavioral issues, and it doesn't seem like there will be very many, if any. Plus, many of them want to continue with ASL beyond high school.
The same goes for the two level 1 classes. I only have one student in one of the classes who seems apathetic, but we'll see how that goes. Though sometimes too chatty in a class learning a visual language where it is vital to pay attention and keep voices off, they are still good, bright kids and I think we will both learn a lot from each other. I hope I'm not speaking too soon when I say that it looks like I have a great group of students for the next few months.
Back to standing in front of them center of attention. I used to hate it.
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| Source |
Any time I had a project in school that had to be presented in front of the class, I hated it. Except for ASL.
During any other class presentation or speech, I became so nervous automatically. I felt I could barely breathe, my hands would shake, and I would forget absolutely everything I wanted to say. Except in ASL.
ASL class was the only time I felt comfortable enough to make a presentation or act out a conversation or skit in front of my peers. And I want my students to feel that same level of comfort with me. Now that I am in the opposite position, teaching others this beautiful language, I am still no longer afraid. The only thing I still fear is that my lessons are not creative enough and I will not teach effectively to make them understand, but I just chalk that up to nerves. I've learned from the best, and I therefore strive to give my students the best I can.
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| P.S. None of these people are me. Source |
This continues to be one of my favorite speeches of all time. Trust me, it's worth it to watch and listen.
Great post! I took a little bit of ASL in college and loved it. Now I have a dtr that seems to love it, as well, but our school doesn't offer it, so I'm trying to see what her options are. Thanks for linking up with the TALU!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Anne! Your daughter may have a few options, depending where you live... Are there any schools for the Deaf in your area? They often offer classes for the community. Also, check your local library, as sometimes they have classes as well. Another option is to hire a private tutor. OR we can Skype and I can teach her through video chat. ;-) Thanks for reading!
DeleteI think it is so awesome that you get to do something you LOVE as your job! Not everyone can say that! Thank you for being a teacher! I don't think teachers get enough THANK YOUS! And that speech was awesome! I love that! I am visiting today from Wrinkled Mommy's TALU! Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteAwww, Joel, thank you! I am very lucky to be able to do what I love.
DeleteIsn't that speech GREAT? I don't think I'll ever get tired of it. =) Thanks for reading!
Yay you! Finding a passion for a subject and a passion to teach it is wonderful. It sounds like you're doing exactly what you're meant to do. Wishing you luck with your career!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Joy!
DeleteI taught middle school for three years and get into the same funk in between classes. "How much do I want to teach?" "A desk job has longer hours, but I can turn on my iPod and not be disturbed ALL DAY!!!" Yeah, having that argument with myself right now. I teach boring old English Lit, though, nothing cool like ASL. Go you! TALU
ReplyDeleteI hear you, Ann... it's not an easy job. You just gotta love it!
DeleteI have always wanted to learn ASL. I took a basic class years ago and sadly, have forgotten most of it. (TALU)
ReplyDeleteWhy not start up again? No time like the present! ;-)
DeletePopping in via the #TALU. LOVE the video! I had to share it on Facebook. :)
ReplyDeleteIt took me getting past the two cartoons to the first photo to realize what you were talking about. I was thinking ASL was some sort of computer class. Duh!! I dabbled with it with my sister some when we were kids, but I have never seen it offered as a class anywhere I've been.
I'm the same way about speeches/presentations. I'd rather stick a needle in my eye! I think the only way I ever got through any kind of oral report as a kid ... or speech since then ... was memorizing. I used to do a lot of plays as a kid, so I couldn't mess myself up referring to notes and losing my place, etc. I used to get a lot of grief from teachers about it. They figured since I could stand in front of hundreds of people for two hours with no problem to do a play, a short presentation in front of people I know should be a no-brainer, but when you're doing a play, you're not playing yourself ... and it helps that you often can see because there are spot lights in your face. ;)
Haha, I know what you mean! Though, even when I tried to memorize as much as possible, the second I stood up, I forgot everything. Thanks for reading!
DeleteIt's great to have a job that you really love. And that doubt you feel is because you care, which is the most important skill a teacher can have. (TALU)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Azara! Yes, I feel very fortunate to be able to do what I love, even if it's only a leave replacement. Thanks for reading.
DeleteWonderful post. It is great that you get to teach students who are motivated to learn. I know that the barrier between a great teacher who loves her job or not has everything to do with how the students learn and behave. So looks like you have a double blessing.
ReplyDeleteAww, thank you Kenya! It helps that ASL is an elective, so most students who take it actually chose it and want to learn the language. =)
DeleteFunny how doing something you love takes the fear away, huh? I have a friend who is so shy that he doesn't like togo out to eat, but he is the lead singer in a band. Just because he loves it.
ReplyDeleteI so enjoyed learning ASL as a child. I actually remember going to the classes at the library when I was little. Your students are lucky to have a teacher who cares as you do. (TALU)
I wish I could sing! I'm so jealous of people with musical talent, haha.
DeleteThank you for the compliment, and thanks for reading!
Cheers to us teachers! ;-) Hats off to you for doing such an incredible job in teaching. I believe it is not easy to do that! I am a teacher for children with special needs and I know the kind of fulfillment you feel while doing it. it is the results of what you do that matter at the end of the day. being able to impart something that could change lives of our students in a very positive way. Yayy!! cheers!
ReplyDelete