cc licensed flickr photo shared by Rob Shenk
When all is done at school, and our students what will they remember? Will they remember the dynamic lesson that you taught them on fractions, or will they remember the time you spent talking with them at lunch time having a conversation about their weekend?
Let’s not even talk about what they will remember, but what will impact them more in their future. Learning is important but connecting is key.
One of my favourite teachers was my grade twelve football coach, who was also my physical education teacher. It was his first year of teaching, and my fourth year playing football for my high school. In my eyes, he was the rookie, and I was the veteran. Within two minutes of meeting him, I told him that I should be one of the captains of the team because of my experience. He looked at me and told me that leadership is not given because of the amount of years you have put in, but is earned through the respect and by inspiring others. I could not tell you one thing that he taught me in class, but I remember sitting down with him and talking about leadership many times. I would wager that there is nothing on this in the physical education curriculum.
I always look back and think about the connection I had with this teacher and how it impacted myself and what I do today.
What do you remember? What will your students remember about you?
