As educators, most of us can look back and reflect on those teachers who influenced us. "Miss Smith made me want to be a science teacher." "Mr. Brown showed me the power of music." With fondness we reminisce about those wonderful experiences.
But what can we learn from our bad experiences in school? I never considered this until I was participating in #SsTschat on Tuesday evening. One question brought to mind some incidents that I had forgotten. I realized then that I could also learn from unpleasant experiences.
Here's what I learned:
1. I had a teacher in the 1st grade who told the entire class I was a chatterbox and did the associated hand motion. The entire class started laughing and doing the hand motion. I learned to NEVER ridicule a student.
2. I had a mean 3rd grade teacher. She never smiled. That's all I can remember about her. I learned to smile often and make sure the students know I love them.
3. My fourth grade teacher was one of the nicest teachers I ever had. One day, though, she embarrassed me in front of the class. I learned that even the best teachers make mistakes.
4. I had a teacher in high school who often used big words in class. If someone asked what the word meant, he made them look it up. People stopped asking. I learned to answer a question, and if I can't, be honest enough to say so.
5. I had a coach in college that remarked on my weight in front of the team and told me I had eaten too much Captain D's. That has stuck with me, and I am still self-conscious about my weight. I learned that what I say may alter a child's perception of themselves.
Most of these teachers were good teachers (except maybe the 3rd grade teacher-yikes!), and I have fond memories of them too. But even today, their harsh words often echo in my mind.
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