Impact

I listened last night to the radio program "All Things Considered" and heard the story How a Professor Taught Me to Consult My Stomach. The author paid tribute to a professor that she feels made a life changing impact in her life. This story is relevant to all of us. Each of us have gone to school. Within the confines of the walls (virtual or physical) we spend countless hours of our lives. We leave school at some point and make our way into a different space. How we feel about ourselves, about learning and what we do with our lives when "school" is finished is greatly influenced by our teachers.

What can I do today that will make a positive and long lasting (possibly life changing) impact on my students? Every dedicated teacher would like to answer this question every day. The answers are easy in many regards but complex as well. As teachers we show kindness, respect and attention to our students. We keep our students safe, become their advocates and give them an opportunity to unlock their potential.

Our actions just by their nature affect quite strongly on our students lives. More actions however are needing to be shown. When we model fairness, problem solving, how to overcome challenges and adversity, we give our students lessons that they can use in their lives outside of the classroom. Additionally, our enthusiasm and passion for what we do and teach, needs to show and be felt by our students.

I know that in real life we have all had teachers that have effected us negatively for whatever reasons. I am not naive enough to suggest that education, schools and teachers are perfect. However, I hope that you have had a teacher that you can remember in a positive way. Perhaps this individual has made a life changing impact on your life. It is most every teachers dream to do just that :)