I truly admire Gavin McCormack who is a leader in the Montessori Schools in Australia. He has posted many articles on Educators. And, this article on being real as an educator is an important reminder for all of us.
I resonate with the fact that we must make that connection with our students by showing them to understand that we are human.
We have feelings, we know what the students are going through, we also feel sad sometimes, we have been lonely and we need them as much as they need us.
But more importantly, we must let them know about our life, in just the same way we ask our children to tell us about theirs.
If you are having “Show and Tell” sessions, make sure that every so often you bring something to share.
When you ask the children to write a recount about their holidays, tell them about yours.
The sheer power of allowing your children to understand that you are “just like them” means that the relationship between teacher and students will always be equal.
They won’t mind telling you when they are worried, they will have no problems telling you it’s too hard or that something’s bothering them, because they know that you have the same feelings.
Teaching is all about relationships. You are the bridge between the child and the knowledge, be strong but be genuine.
