Teachable Moments
Monday, April 27, 2009
Take Your Hands Off!
Children can be a tremendous blessing or challenge to teachers. The outcomes can be consistent and the day filled with positive experiences or it can be filled with episodes of crises, heartache and dissention.
The very real test of a great teacher does not come when everything is going well, but rather, when we are faced with challenging situations. Educators hold a license to teach. The "lessons" taught may not always be academic. Students are constantly watching what we say, what we do, how we act, how we dress, how we react to joyous and challenging situations daily.
There are many teachers who possess self-control, longsuffering and endure to the end even in the toughest situations or with the most obstinate people.
It is amazing to me that I have encountered, on the other hand, many teachers who have slapped a child, choked a child, thrown objects at a child or called the child (or his momma) an inappropriate name.
The message is plain and simple. Take your hands off a child! If there is a situation that requires you to intervene, please don't handle the situation out of anger. Even though the child may be very wrong in his/her actions, it gives you no right to be physically aggressive with a child. Take the high road-walk away, call security or elicit the assistance of a neighboring teacher.
Those of you who manage tough situations, please share effective techniques with your colleagues.
It's definitely not worth your teaching credential!
The very real test of a great teacher does not come when everything is going well, but rather, when we are faced with challenging situations. Educators hold a license to teach. The "lessons" taught may not always be academic. Students are constantly watching what we say, what we do, how we act, how we dress, how we react to joyous and challenging situations daily.
There are many teachers who possess self-control, longsuffering and endure to the end even in the toughest situations or with the most obstinate people.
It is amazing to me that I have encountered, on the other hand, many teachers who have slapped a child, choked a child, thrown objects at a child or called the child (or his momma) an inappropriate name.
The message is plain and simple. Take your hands off a child! If there is a situation that requires you to intervene, please don't handle the situation out of anger. Even though the child may be very wrong in his/her actions, it gives you no right to be physically aggressive with a child. Take the high road-walk away, call security or elicit the assistance of a neighboring teacher.
Those of you who manage tough situations, please share effective techniques with your colleagues.
It's definitely not worth your teaching credential!